Observed Benefits to On-site Medical Services during an Annual 5-day Electronic Dance Music Event with Harm Reduction Services

The authors reviewed the 2014 Shambhala Music Festival (a seven-day event held in Canada) which was attended by a total of 67,120 people. The majority of the 1,393 patient encounters were for non-urgent complaints; less than one percent were transferred by ambulance. The festival featured harm reduction services (e.g., distribution of educational materials, pill checking facilities, and a dedicated women's space) that also helped minimize risk to attendees.