Written by Ketan Patel
Spoon Feed
Electronic Dance Music Festivals (EDMF) are associated with a higher medical utilization rate (MUR) when compared with other mainstream events. EDMF attendees are also likely to be sicker and present more frequently with drug-related concerns.
DJs, dancing, and doctors
Mass gatherings are widely popular throughout the world, and planning and logistics vary widely surrounding medical care and organization. While the obvious need for onsite medical care isn’t debated, the volume and type of care has not been well quantified based on factors such as event type, indoor versus outdoor venues, total attendees, or weather.
This retrospective observational study examined whether music genre predicts MUR at festivals. Data from 518 Dutch events (Feb 2022-Aug 2023) showed higher MUR at electronic dance music festivals (EDMF) compared to mainstream events (median 24.0 vs. 15.0 per 10,000 attendees; p < 0.001). Among patients needing advanced care, drug-related incidents were significantly more prevalent at EDMF (74% vs. 52%; p < 0.001), with notably higher rates of stimulant and poly-drug use.
While this study highlights the importance of music genre and the subculture, often drug related, associated with music festivals, more work is required to analyze the other factors contributing to the need for medical care at mass gatherings. The proper preparation for any mass gathering is multifactorial, and more analysis could shed light on important factors which necessitate a proper medical plan.
How will this change my practice?
Here in Vegas, we are on the cusp of EDC, which brings in over 150,000 attendees to our raceway per day over a 3-day weekend. We staff this event, plan the entire medical footprint, and boast that we are likely the busiest “ED” in the city over the course of that weekend. Experience has shown us that drug-related issues are a major concern, along with weather, age, and numerous other factors. This insight and foresight in planning is of paramount importance in keeping staff and attendees safe through an extremely busy mass gathering.
Editor’s note: I was thinking about going to see a wild Ben Rector concert…sounds like it might get Crazy! ~Clay Smith
Source
Genre of Music Festivals as a Predictor for Medical Utilization Rate. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2025 Apr 14:1-6. doi: 10.1080/10903127.2025.2481143. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 40145780
