Electronic Dance Music Events Research Articles

Increases in the use of drug testing kits among nightclub and festival attendees in New York City who use ecstasy, 2017-2022.

Ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA]) is a drug commonly used by people who attend electronic dance music (EDM) events at nightclubs and dance festivals. Drug checking has gained popularity in recent years to test for adulterants, but epidemiology studies are needed to estimate potential shifts in prevalence of drug checking to further inform harm reduction efforts. Adults entering randomly selected EDM events in New York City were surveyed in 2017 and 2022. Those reporting past-year ecstasy use were asked if they tested their ecstasy in the past year using a drug testing kit and whether they found out or suspected their ecstasy contained other drugs. We compared estimates between 2017 and 2022. In 2017, an estimated 23.1% had tested their ecstasy, and this estimate increased to 43.1% in 2022 (86.6% increase, p = 0.006). Among those who tested their ecstasy, in 2017, 31.2% always tested their drug, and this increased to 60.6% in 2022 (94.2% increase, p = 0.026). In 2017, 59.6% of those who tested their ecstasy reported finding out or suspecting their drug was adulterated, which decreased to 18.4% in 2022 (69.1% decrease, p < 0.001). Suspected methamphetamine adulteration in particular decreased, from 21.9% in 2017 to 3.6% in 2022 (83.6% decrease, p = 0.007). The use of drug testing kits has increased among EDM event attendees who use ecstasy and, at the same time, among those who had tested their ecstasy, suspected adulteration has decreased. Continued interest in understanding ecstasy contents among this population suggests the need for formal drug checking services.

Polydrug Use Typologies of Regular Ecstasy Users Visiting Electronic Dance Music Events: A Latent Class Analysis

Introduction: Polydrug use patterns among young adults using ecstasy vary, as well as their willingness to change them. Polydrug use patterns are likely associated with different adverse health outcomes. It is unknown whether polydrug use patterns of young adults who use ecstasy are similar in different countries. This study aims to identify and compare polydrug use patterns and willingness to change them of young adults that use ecstasy in the United Kingdom (UK) and the Netherlands (NL), two countries with a high prevalence of ecstasy use and a large electronic dance music (EDM) scene. Methods: The data from the online cross-sectional Electronic Music Scene Survey were used in a latent class analysis. The binary indicators used in the estimation were past-year substance use of 21 different substances. The sample consisted of young adult ecstasy users that regularly visit EDM events (age 18–34). Results: A total of 1,077 respondents from the UK (age M = 23.1) and 1,178 from the NL (age M = 23.7) that regularly visit EDM events were included in the analyses. In both countries, three polydrug use patterns of ecstasy users were identified based on Bayesian Information Criterion fit indices: a traditional polydrug use class (UK: 28%; NL: 40%), a stimulant and ketamine polydrug use class (UK: 48%; NL: 52%), and an extensive polydrug use class (UK: 24%; NL: 8%) characterized by substantial use of stimulants, depressant, and psychedelic substances. Overall, young adults that used ecstasy in the UK consumed 3,4-methylenedioxymeth-amphetamine (MDMA) more often as powder/crystalline and at higher dosages compared to young adults in the NL who preferred MDMA tablets. Regardless of polydrug class or country, most respondents indicated that they had the intention to reduce but not quit their use. Conclusion: In both countries, structurally similar polydrug use patterns among young adults that use ecstasy were found, while the use frequencies of individual substances and preferred MDMA form varied between the countries.

Seasonal Variation of Use of Common Psychedelics and Party Drugs Among Nightclub/Festival Attendees in New York City

ABSTRACT Few epidemiological studies have focused on seasonal variation in the use of common psychedelics and party drugs among nightclub and festival attendees, typically those who attend electronic dance music (EDM) events. We sought to determine whether the use of different drug types varies seasonally within this population. Across 15 seasons from summer 2017 through fall 2022, we surveyed 3,935 adults entering randomly selected nightclubs and festivals in New York City regarding their past-month use of cocaine, MDMA (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine, commonly known as ecstasy), lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), psilocybin (shrooms), and ketamine. Multivariable models were used to compare adjusted odds ratios for drug use within each season with the grand mean of combined seasons. Summer was associated with higher odds for use of LSD (aOR 2.72; 95% CI, 1.88–3.93) and psilocybin (aOR 1.65; CI, 1.12–2.43), independent of increases in psilocybin use over time (p < .001). A significant increase in use of ketamine (p = .014) and significant decreases in use of cocaine (p = .002) and ecstasy (p = .002) were found across time, but multivariable models did not detect seasonal variations. Summer is a risk factor for use of common psychedelics among people who attend EDM events. Therefore, the summer months may be the best time to disseminate information about harm reduction for psychedelic drug users.

Risk for Ecstasy Use Disorder and Other Substance Use Among International Users of Recreational Ecstasy/Molly/MDMA

ABSTRACT Ecstasy/Molly/MDMA is a widely used substance often taken in combination with other drugs in different contexts. The current study assessed ecstasy use patterns, concurrent substance use and the context of ecstasy use among an international sample of adults (N = 1,732). Participants were 87% white, 81% male, 42% college educated, 72% employed, with a mean age of 25.7 (SD = 8.3). Using the modified UNCOPE, risk for ecstasy use disorder was 22% overall, and significantly higher among younger individuals and those with greater frequency and quantity of use. Participants reporting risky ecstasy use endorsed significantly higher use of alcohol, nicotine/tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, benzodiazepines, and ketamine compared to those at lower risk. Great Britain (aOR = 1.86; 95% CI [1.24, 2.81]) and Nordic countries (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI [1.11, 3.47]) were approximately 2 times more likely to exhibit risk for ecstasy use disorder than the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia/New Zealand. Taking ecstasy at home emerged as a common setting followed by electronic dance music events and music festivals. The UNCOPE may be a useful clinical tool for detecting problematic ecstasy use. Harm reduction interventions for ecstasy should target young people, substance co-administration, and context of use.

Awareness that cocaine can contain fentanyl among nightclub and festival attendees in New York City, 2018-2022.

People who attend nightclubs and dance festivals-particularly those that feature electronic dance music (EDM), are at high risk for use of cocaine and other party drugs. Given that cocaine is now sometimes adulterated with fentanyl, this study examines trends in people's knowledge about such risk of adulteration to inform prevention and harm reduction efforts. Adults were surveyed entering randomly selected EDM events (including dance festivals) in New York City in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022 (n=2107). They were asked whether they agree that some dealers sell cocaine containing fentanyl, and trends in agreement were estimated. Prevalence of agreement that cocaine can be adulterated increased from 42.1% (95% CI: 36.8-47.6) in 2018 to 65.6% (95% CI: 54.1-75.4) in 2022-a 55.8% increase (p<.001). Between 2018 and 2022, particular increases occurred among those not reporting past-year cocaine use (by 61.6%, p<.001), among White individuals (by 68.1%, p<.001), those with some college (by 68.5%, p=.021), and those age ≥26 (by 83.8%, p=.001). Awareness that cocaine can contain fentanyl is increasing in this high-risk population. Continued education is needed for high-risk populations regarding both opioid overdose response and test strips that can test drugs for the presence of fentanyl.

Substance Use and Attendance Motives of Electronic Dance Music (EDM) Event Attendees: A Survey Study.

EDM event attendees are a high-risk population for substance use and associated adverse effects. The aim of this study was to examine substance use at EDM events, focusing on associations between attendance motives and substance use. Sociodemographic characteristics, event specifics, past-year use, and attendance motives were assessed through an online survey. Participants were 1345 Belgian EDM event attendees (69.44% male, Mage = 22.63, SDage = 4.03). Ecstasy/MDMA/Molly (52.28%), other synthetic hallucinogens (53.68%), ketamine (42.13%), amphetamines (40.45%), and alkyl nitrites (poppers) (32.76%) were most frequently used at festivals/outdoor parties/raves. In nightclubs, cocaine (32.29%) was shown to be prevalent as well, while other synthetic hallucinogens (15.79%) were less often consumed. At events with a more private character, cannabis (68.88%) and magic mushrooms (66.44%) were most frequently used. Aside from alcohol (47.76%), substance use in pubs/bars was negligible. Overall enjoyment was demonstrated to be the key attendance motive, which was succeeded by those relating to music and socialization. A wide range of motives proved to be more important to users (e.g., dance, exploration, escapism, excitement, alcohol, drugs) than non-users, while some were associated with the use of particular substances. The prevalence of substance use was shown to be dependent on the specifics of the setting. Moreover, the idea of a three-dimensional classification of the most principal motives for music event attendance was supported. Finally, correlations were estimated between attendance motives and substance use as well as specific substances. Results could enable more tailored approaches in prevention and harm reduction efforts as well as event management strategies.

Psychoactive substance use and drug checking practices among participants at electronic dance music events in Ukraine

Purpose To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has previously examined the use of psychoactive substances (PASs) at electronic dance music (EDM) events in Ukraine. Addressing this gap in the research literature, this study aims to: describe the recreational drug scene associated with Ukrainian EDM culture; identify clusters of EDM participants who use PAS, based on their drug use patterns; and assess the uptake of drug checking and investigate associations between drug checking and subsequent drug-related behaviour. Design/methodology/approach A series of cross-sectional surveys were conducted in 2021 (N = 1,307) among EDM festival participants in Ukraine. The authors performed cluster analysis to identify distinct profiles of PAS users. Trends in drug checking were analysed based on cross-sectional surveys conducted at one recurring festival in 2018 (N = 99), 2019 (N = 195) and 2021 (N = 237). Findings The substances most often used at EDM events were 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (37%), amphetamine (16%), lysergic acid diethylamide (11%) and cocaine (9%). Between 2018 and 2021, the proportion of participants who reported to have ever tested their drugs has increased from 2% to 26% (p &lt; 0.001). Unexpected or inconclusive test results led to a significantly lower chances of drug consumption (p = 0.003). The authors identified three distinct clusters of PAS users among the EDM festival attendees in Ukraine. Originality/value This study will inform the development of harm reduction interventions tailored to various subgroups of recreational PAS users taking into account gender-specific patterns of use suggested by the authors’ cluster analysis. Increased availability of drug checking is crucial to reduce the risks of drug-related harm associated with the consumption of mis-sold, mislabeled and/or adulterated substances.

Drug use patterns, harm reduction strategies and use of drug checking services in boom festival patrons

Purpose Recent studies have shown that people who attend electronic dance music events and use drug checking services (DCS) are a predominantly white male, highly educated middle-class population. However, there is still a lack of data beyond sociodemographic characteristics that must be addressed. This paper aims to describe the drug use patterns and protective behavior strategies (PBS) used by testers and nontesters at Boom Festival 2018 and analyze the relationship between these behaviors and the decision to use the DCS. Design/methodology/approach This is an exploratory research based on a cross-sectional design using baseline data collected at the Boom Festival from testers (N = 343) and nontesters (N = 115). Findings Nontesters presented, in general, slightly higher frequencies of use for most drugs, whereas testers tended to adopt PBS more frequently. Moreover, testers planned their drug use more often than nontesters and set more limits on the amount of drugs they used in one session. Both of these behaviors work as predictors for using the DCS. Practical implications Our data suggest that DCS might not be easily accessible to all people who use drugs, reaching almost exclusively highly educated people that already apply several harm reduction strategies. Actions should be taken to promote service accessibility. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to compare the demographics, drug use and PBS adoption of DCS users with nonusers who attended the same festival.

Electric Empires: From Countercultural Movement to Corporate Enterprise

ABSTRACT This article explores the emergence of the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) subculture, and how it transitioned from being perceived as a deviant subculture into a more legitimate culture industry. Using a historical analysis of documents, interviews with industry professionals, and ethnographic observations at EDM events; we explore the process by which this transition occurred. As we argue, the defining features of the EDM subculture also laid the foundations for outsiders to commodify the movement as a culture industry. We identify the concept of “subcultural appropriation” as the mechanism by which the movement’s politically dissident features were removed, and its place as a multi-billion dollar industry made possible. Long adherents to the subculture we interviewed, noted that this rise in popularity came at the cost of feelings of solidarity and commitment to core values of the subculture. We conclude with a discussion of how this study addresses limitations of the culture industry thesis, and argue for its continued utility to the study of subcultures and social groups.

No Good Time Without Drugs: Qualitative Study Among Nightlife Attendees in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Individuals who visit nightclubs and electronic dance music (EDM) festivals tend to use psychoactive substances, often multiple substances, in this setting and are at risk of serious negative health effects. This paper aims to explore respondents' experiences and perceptions in order to have a better understanding of patterns and motives related to psychoactive substance use and high-risk behaviours in EDM event attendees. In-depth and focus group interviews with 30 EDM event attendees who reported psychoactive substance use at nightlife events. The data was analysed using the Nvivo-v.10 software. Mixing multiple substances to get the desired effects was common. Ecstasy was often combined with Jager (alcohol). Drug use in nightlife settings occurred in a group of friends and was perceived as an essential part of having a good time. Most participants reported that they did not use drugs outside nightlife settings. The dangerous synthetic hallucinogen NBOMe was still on the scene. The respondents had a very low level of knowledge about, and perception of, the risks associated with drug consumption. Knowledge about risk minimisation strategies was very low or non-existent. Polydrug use and a lack of perceived harmful effects put drug-using nightlife attendees at increased risk of negative health consequences. Future research should focus on identifying strategies to raise the awareness of people who use drugs in nightlife settings and encourage them to employ health protection strategies. Using the social network infrastructure can be thought of as one potentially beneficial approach.

Opt-Out Design for an Observational Toxicology Study Involving Intoxicated Patients at a Dance Music Event.

At electronic dance music events in Belgium in 2013 to 2015, seemingly intoxicated patients were included without their informed consent in an observational toxicology study when the attending physicians determined that they needed treatment with an intravenous line. All included patients received an information letter inviting them to contact the principal investigator (PI) to obtain more information about the study and/or to inform the PI that they wanted to be excluded from it. Overall, 238 patients were included in the study. Nine participants (4%) responded to the information letter, either on their own or through their parent; none of them asked to be excluded from the study. All respondents expressed their gratitude for the information they received. The opt-out study design seemed to be acceptable to the patient-participants, and it provided a fuller picture of the drug-related medical incidents at such music events than what could likely be achieved through a study that includes only people who explicitly choose to participate. These findings may help institutional review boards when evaluating study designs involving recreational drug use, especially at electronic dance music events. Nevertheless, we warn against extrapolation to other settings where informed consent is difficult to obtain.

Illicit Drug Use and Associated Problems in the Nightlife Scene: A Potential Setting for Prevention.

Illicit drug use is prevalent in the nightlife scene, especially at electronic dance music (EDM) events. The aim of the present study was to investigate illicit drug use patterns and consequences of drug use among frequent visitors of EDM events. Young adults (18–34 years old) who had visited at least six EDM events in Sweden during the past year participated in a web-based survey on drug use patterns and its consequences. Fifty-nine percent of participants had used illicit drugs during the past year, most often cannabis followed by ecstasy, cocaine, and amphetamine. Nightlife venues were identified as the main setting for the use of central stimulants, while cannabis was mostly used at home. Frequent alcohol and tobacco use was associated with illicit drug use. The most prevalent negative consequences of drug use were related to mental health, such as impairments in mood, sleep, and memory problems, but physical manifestations were also reported, such as palpitations and collapsing. These findings confirm that drug use is prevalent and associated with negative health effects among EDM nightlife attendees. The nightlife scene is a setting with promising potential to reach a high-risk target group with illicit drug use prevention interventions.

Exploring Relationships Between Electronic Dance Music Event Participation and Well-being

While an increasing amount of literature highlights the psychological well-being benefits of musical participation, research focusing on electronic dance music (EDM) event contexts remains scarce. This exploratory mixed methods research draws influence from interdisciplinary research on EDM culture and psychological well-being research on music festivals that suggest EDM event attendance may have a positive influence on well-being. Two studies were implemented. Semistructured interviews with regular attendees of EDM events were undertaken and analyzed thematically (Study 1, n = 7). Four main themes were identified, namely the importance of social, musical, and emotional experiences, and shared values at EDM event. These themes were then used as a basis for developing a questionnaire which explored relationships between scores on facets of EDM event attendance and measures of subjective, social, and psychological well-being (Study 2, n = 103). Results showed that all four EDM event facets were positively associated with psychological and social well-being measures. Principal component analysis was utilized to elucidate nuanced aspects of the four themes and their links to well-being scores. A four-factor model (SMEV) that encapsulates the key psychological beneficial aspects of EDM event attendance has been suggested, and the implications of this model and findings are discussed within the context of future research avenues.

Shifts in Drug Use Behavior Among Electronic Dance Music Partygoers in New York During COVID-19 Social Distancing

Background: Little is known about how COVID-19-related social distancing has affected illegal drug use. We surveyed electronic dance music (EDM) partygoers—a population known for high levels of drug use—to determine whether their drug use patterns had changed during state-mandated social distancing in New York. Methods: Individuals were recruited online and screened for eligibility throughout April and May 2020. We surveyed 128 eligible adults and queried, retrospectively, whether their drug use behavior had changed during COVID-19-related social distancing. Results: Most participants reporting past-three-month use reported decreased frequency of use during COVID-19-related social distancing. Specifically, 78.6% reduced frequency of use of cocaine, 71.1% reduced frequency of use of ecstasy/MDMA/Molly, and 68.0% reduced frequency of use of LSD. Although some participants reported increased frequency of use of cocaine (7.1%), ecstasy (7.9%), or LSD (12.0%), 35.0% reported increased frequency of cannabis use. Most (66.7%) of those reporting cocaine use reduced the amount used. The majority of those reporting use of cannabis, ecstasy, cocaine, and/or LSD reported that drug cost (80.0-84.0%) and drug quality (84.2-92.0%) did not change during social distancing. Having a college degree was associated with higher odds for decreasing frequency of cannabis use. Older participants (ages ≥23) were at lower odds for decreasing frequency of cocaine use, as were those earning >$500 per week, and participants who attended EDM events biweekly or more often were at higher odds for decreasing frequency of LSD use. Conclusions: Participants in this sample tended to reduce party drug use during COVID-19-related social distancing.

Diffusion of Ecstasy in the Electronic Dance Music Scene

Background Ecstasy (MDMA, Molly) is among the most prevalent drugs used by people who attend electronic dance music (EDM) events; however, little recent research has examined diffusion of ecstasy in this high-risk population. Methods: 1,020 EDM event-attending adults (aged 18–40) were surveyed in NYC in 2018 using time-spacing sampling. Participants were asked about past-year ecstasy use, and those reporting use were asked where they initiated use and whether their first use was planned. They were also asked whether they have ever given someone their first dose and whether they were likely to use in the future. Prevalence and correlates of these outcomes were estimated among those reporting past-year use. Results: An estimated 31.0% of participants used ecstasy in the past year. Of these, 42.9% used ecstasy for the first time in an unplanned manner and initiation most commonly occurred at EDM festivals (33.4%), followed by nightclubs (24.3%). An estimated 39.4% reported having given someone their first dose of ecstasy and 60.2% reported being likely to use again. Hispanic and Asian participants were at higher risk for their first dose being unplanned, and those who used LSD in the past year were at higher risk for giving someone their first dose (aPR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.20-2.65). Older participants (aPR = 1.03, 95% CI = 1.01-1.06), females (aPR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.13–1.89), and those who used LSD in the past year (aPR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.14-1.76) were more likely to report being likely to use again in the future. Conclusions: Results provide insight regarding diffusion and initiation of ecstasy in the EDM scene. Findings can inform prevention and harm reduction efforts.

Shifts in Unintentional Exposure to Drugs Among People Who Use Ecstasy in the Electronic Dance Music Scene, 2016-2019.

Electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees who use ecstasy (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine [MDMA], Molly) are at high risk for ingesting adulterant drugs, but little is known regarding trends in exposure. We sought to determine whether adulteration has shifted in recent years. Adults entering EDM events at nightclubs and dance festivals in NYC were surveyed in 2016 and 2019. We tested hair samples from a subsample of those reporting past-year ecstasy use using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Differences in unreported drug exposure and suspected adulteration were compared between 2016 (n = 90) and 2019 (n = 72). MDMA detection was stable at 72-74%. We detected decreases in unreported use of methamphetamine (from 22.2% to 5.6% [P = .003], an 74.8% decrease), new psychoactive substances (from 31.1% to 2.8% [P < .001], a 91.0% decrease), and synthetic cathinones in particular (from 27.8% to 2.8% (P < .001, an 89.9% decrease). Unreported ketamine exposure increased from 18.9% to 34.7% (P = .022, an 83.6% increase). We also detected decreases in participants' suspicion of their ecstasy being adulterated with methamphetamine (from 20.0% to 5.6% [P = .010], an 72.0% decrease) and "bath salts" (synthetic cathinones, from 8.9% to 1.4% [P = .044], an 84.3% decrease). Unknown exposure to adulterants among people who use ecstasy in the EDM scene is shifting. Monitoring of exposure to adulterants is needed to inform harm reduction. This was among the first studies to examine unintentional exposure to drugs over time in this population and unintentional exposure to synthetic cathinones in particular appears to be declining. (Am J Addict 2021;30:49-54).

Underreporting of drug use among electronic dance music party attendees

Background and Objectives Electronic dance music (EDM) party attendees are at high risk for drug use. However, little is known regarding the extent of underreporting of drug use in this population, in part, because use of synthetic drugs is often associated with unknown exposure to adulterant drugs. We estimated the extent of underreported drug use in this population by comparing self-reported use to hair toxicology results. Methods Time-space sampling was used to survey adults entering EDM events at nightclubs and dance festivals in New York City from January through August of 2019. Seven hundred ninety-four adults were surveyed and 141 provided analyzable hair samples. We queried past-year use of >90 drugs and tested hair samples using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. We compared hair test results to past-year self-reported use and adjusted prevalence estimates by defining use as reporting use or testing positive. Correlates of discordant reporting, defined as testing positive after not reporting use, were estimated. Results Prevalence of drug use increased when considering positive hair tests in estimates, with 43.8% of participants testing positive for at least one drug after not reporting use. For example, based on self-report, cocaine use prevalence was 51.1%, and increased by a factor of 1.6 to a prevalence of 80.0% when adding hair test results to self-report. Younger adults (ages 18–25), black and other/mixed race participants, those reporting “other” sexuality, and those with a college degree were at significantly higher risk for testing positive for drugs not reportedly used. Those who self-reported using more types of drugs were less likely to test positive after not reporting use (adjusted prevalence ratio = 0.53, 95% confidence interval = 0.41-0.68). Conclusions We detected underreporting of drug use, particularly cocaine and ketamine. More research is needed to determine whether this is driven by intentional underreporting or unknown exposure through adulterants.

Impact of Group Cohesion Among Drinking Groups at Nightclubs on Risk From Alcohol and Other Drug Use.

Although protective strategies are implemented within drinking groups, alcohol and other drugs (AOD) use may increase when protective strategies are in place. Being in a cohesive group could lead to a false sense of security, leading to more risk taking. This study examines whether club patrons perceiving greater group cohesion implement fewer protective strategies and use more AOD. The sample includes 815 club patrons (44.2% female; M age = 27.7, SD = 6.0 years) arriving in 324 groups, from seven clubs hosting electronic music dance events, across 30 evenings. Anonymous surveys, biological measures of alcohol (entry and exit) and drugs (exit only), were used. Results show that group cohesion relates to fewer strategies to keep themselves and their group safe and fewer actions responding to group AOD problems. Group cohesion was unrelated to AOD use. Findings suggest that prevention strategies should incorporate influences of group cohesion in engaging patrons in group safety strategies at clubs.

Prevention of Alcohol and Other Drug Overuse Among Nightclub Patrons: A Randomized Trial of a Group-Based Mobile Intervention at Nightclubs

Electronic music dance events (EMDEs) at nightclubs attract young adults engaging in high-risk alcohol and other drug (AOD) use. Studies show that most patrons arrive at clubs in groups and that these peer groups influence drinking. Therefore, peer groups are a natural context for preventing risk behaviors. This article examined outcomes of a randomized controlled trial of a group-based mobile intervention at nightclubs, Nightlife Safety Plans (NSP). The sample comprised 352 groups, consisting of 959 participants (45.3% female) at 41 events across seven nightclubs hosting EMDEs. Club patrons were surveyed anonymously and completed breath tests as they entered and exited clubs. Oral fluid samples collected from patrons at exit assessed drug use. Analyses examining assignment to NSP versus a control condition on fire safety predicted individual- and group-level protective strategy use and AOD use, controlling for background variables. At the individual level, participation in NSP was related to increased protective actions to keep group members safe. No effects were found on actions to keep oneself safe or in response to overuse. At the group level, assignment to NSP was related to a higher average number of group safety strategies. Participation in NSP was associated with lower blood alcohol concentration but unrelated to tetrahydrocannabinol and cocaine. NSP appears to be efficacious for increased protective actions to keep group members safe from overuse and for reduced blood alcohol concentration among EMDE patrons. The findings support the use of an intervention utilizing group-based strategies presented proximal to risk settings.

Collaborative Relationships for Mass Gathering Events

Introduction:Electronic Dance Music events (EDMs) are complex mass gatherings and given published rates of illnesses, injuries, and hospitalizations, these events can place an additional burden on local health care services. Accordingly, during the planning process for EDMs many stakeholders are involved; however, local hospitals, a key part of the medical safety plan, are often excluded. In this case report, it is posited that the involvement of local hospital(s) and the resulting integration of on-site and acute-care service provision during an event, ultimately reduces the burden placed on local hospitals.Methods:Case report; synthesis of published literature.Results:A 25,000 person per day, two-day mass gathering EDM event trialed a model of collaborative planning with a local community hospital. Planning included the identification of a hospital liaison, pre-event teleconferences between event staff, contracted and public medical response teams, emergency management teams, harm reduction practitioners, public health, and hospital personnel. Throughout the collaborative planning process, vital information was shared in order to optimize patient continuity of care and streamline the transition of care from site medical response to an acute care setting. Outcomes included the prevention of unnecessary transfers to the hospital; however, those patients who required transfer had their initial treatment started prior to leaving the venue. Further, collaborative planning also contributed to improved bidirectional data sharing to better understand the impact on the local hospital of the event, including transfers from the onsite medical team as well as transports from the community and self-presentations for care.Discussion:The collaboration of onsite medical and hospital teams improved the delivery of essential medical care to the patrons of the event and added a layer to the safety planning process essential to mass gathering events.