The experience of a district general hospital with a large outdoor music festival in England

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the impact of the Parklife annual music festival on the local hospital, North Manchester General. Methods: Data was obtained retrospectively by analysis of emergency department records during the weekend of Parklife 2015. Results: 32 patients were identified, 56% reported taking drugs. 34% were admitted for overnight observation. 4 patients presented with methaemoglobinaemia following oral ingestion of amyl nitrate. One patient had a methaemoglobin fraction of 90.6%, which is amongst the most extreme recorded in literature. Conclusion: Music festivals can impose a burden on local health services. Organisers should operate an efficient surveillance system in order to prevent the sale and use of recreational drugs, providing adequate on-site health services and working in collaboration with local emergency services.