Medical care is a critical component to the success of any mass gathering. While there is some research on more popular mass gatherings such as sporting events, rock concerts and even Papal visits; the unique characteristics of electronic dance music festivals has resulted in a reevaluation of the medical care required for this type of event.

Electronic dance music is a growing industry in which traditional artists are replaced by DJs playing high energy song mixes commonly associated with nightclubs and raves. The festivals for this music genre feature younger, healthier crowds that are more likely to mix alcohol and illicit drugs. This often results in special environmental and toxicological challenges that must be considered.

In a special report recently published in Prehospital and Disaster Medicine, the authors summarized their experiences providing medical care to a three-day EDMF that happened in New York City in late August 2014.

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