An Effective Risk Minimization Strategy Applied to an Outdoor Music Festival: A Multi-Agency Approach.
Matt Luther, Fergus Gardiner, Shane Lenson, David Caldicott, Ryan Harris, Ryan Sabet, Mark Malloy, Jo Perkins
Prehospital and disaster medicine April 2018 DOI: 10.1017/s1049023x18000195 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Field report Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 286 |
| Population | Patrons treated at an outdoor music festival in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia |
| Topics | MDMA |
| Keywords | Pharmacy 4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine Act Faq Education Emergency medicine Festival First aid Risk reduction behavior |
| Key points | Drug intoxication was an observed issue at the festival, with 15 of 286 treated patients (5.1%) receiving on-site care and 13 emergency department presentations, primarily related to trauma or medical conditions requiring further diagnostics. The authors argue that a coordinated approach including a robust on-site medical service, acceptance of intrinsic risk-taking behavior, and possible on-site drug-checking with reliable drug-content information and education could address this public health need. |
Abstract
Specific Event Identifiers a. Event type: Outdoor music festival. b. Event onset date: December 3, 2016. c. Location of event: Regatta Point, Commonwealth Park. d. Geographical coordinates: Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia (-35.289002, 149.131957, 600m). e. Dates and times of observation in latitude, longitude, and elevation: December 3, 2016, 11:00-23:00. f. Response type: Event medical support. Abstract Introduction Young adult patrons are vulnerable to risk-taking behavior, including drug taking, at outdoor music festivals. Therefore, the aim of this field report is to discuss the on-site medical response during a music festival, and subsequently highlight observed strategies aimed at minimizing substance abuse harm. The observed outdoor music festival was held in Canberra (Australian Capital Territory [ACT], Australia) during the early summer of 2016, with an attendance of 23,008 patrons. First aid and on-site medical treatment data were gained from the relevant treatment area and service. The integrated first aid service provided support to 292 patients. Final analysis consisted of 286 patients' records, with 119 (41.6%) males and 167 (58.4%) females. Results from this report indicated that drug intoxication was an observed event issue, with 15 (5.1%) treated on site and 13 emergency department (ED) presentations, primarily related to trauma or medical conditions requiring further diagnostics. This report details an important public health need, which could be met by providing a coordinated approach, including a robust on-site medical service, accepting intrinsic risk-taking behavior. This may include on-site drug-checking, providing reliable information on drug content with associated education. Luther M , Gardiner F , Lenson S , Caldicott D , Harris R , Sabet R , Malloy M , Perkins J . An effective risk minimization strategy applied to an outdoor music festival: a multi-agency approach. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):220-224.