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If you (or your child, or your group member) is under the age of 18, they cannot consent to medical treatment (in Illinois,
at least) without parental consent.
What this means is that if you, your child, or a minor in your care is taken sick or injured at the fest, the hospital
staff will have to first get permission for treatment from the minor's parents/guardian. If they are unable to get treatment,
and the situation is not extremely urgent, the minor could end up suffering needlessly until his/her parents can be located.
The best way to avoid this is to give minors and their group leaders medical permission forms. These forms can be obtained
from most doctors, emergency rooms, or medical clinics. The forms usually need to be notarized (this can be done at most
banks or check cashing services).
Do NOT underestimate the importance of this. I was made aware of a situation where a girl had two broken feet (mosh pit
casualty) and was denied treatment for hours because the hospital staff could not reach her parents.
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