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HEALTH AND SAFETY

Stay healthy and safe while you camp and explore the many opportunities for participation at Burning Man!
This section will give you the information you need to keep yourself healthy, and tell you where to find emergency services, should you need them.

Q: What do I do if I get hurt or sick on the playa?
A: We hope, of course, that you won't get sick or hurt... but being radically self-reliant also means remembering to bring a first aid kit and self-treating yourself and your campmates for minor first aid needs. Should your illness or injury be more severe than you can manage without help, there are Emergency Services medical stations on the 3:00 and 9:00 plazas, and behind the Center Cafe at 6:00. Look for the neon blue cross on top of the buildings. These stations are staffed by emergency health care providers (doctors, nurses, medics, etc.) who donate their time and medical expertise to the city as their gift to us all.

Q: What if they can't manage my problem?
A: If the on-site medical providers feel that you have a medical emergency that requires a higher level of care than can be provided on the playa, you may need to visit a hospital in Reno. Depending on the seriousness of your condition, that can be accomplished by either getting a ride from a friend, or being transported by an ambulance or helicopter. Remember to bring your ID, insurance card, cell phone, and wallet when you go, so you can take care of yourself accordingly. Also, note that if you get transported by ambulance or helicopter, you'll need to arrange for a friend to pick you up after your care. There are no shuttles from the hospitals back to the playa.

Q: Is there a clinic in Gerlach?
A: The Gerlach Medical Center is open Monday through Friday from 8 am to 12 pm and 1 pm to 5 pm. The Gerlach Medical Center is a family medicine clinic offering limited urgent care, laboratory, x-ray, and women's health services.

Q: How much does it cost to see a doctor in Gerlach?
A: An average doctor visit usually costs between $100 and $300, plus the cost of any laboratory tests, x-rays, and prescriptions you may need. The clinic accepts insurance as well as visa, master card, discover card, travelers checks, personal checks (with identification) and cash.

Q: Where can I get a prescription filled?
A: It's best to bring an adequate supply of any medications you may need to the playa with you. Should you need to get a prescription refilled while in Black Rock City, the closest pharmacies are in Fernley or Reno. The Gerlach Medical Clinic has a "closed pharmacy", meaning they will only fill prescriptions written by their physicians during a visit to the clinic.

Be prepared ... it's all about radical self-reliance.