An Effective Risk Minimization Strategy Applied to an Outdoor Music Festival: A Multi-Agency Approach

Abstract

Specific Event Identifiersa. 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.AbstractIntroductionYoung 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.MethodThe 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.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionThis 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.LutherM, GardinerF, LensonS, CaldicottD, HarrisR, SabetR, MalloyM, PerkinsJ. An effective risk minimization strategy applied to an outdoor music festival: a multi-agency approach. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2018;33(2):220–224.