EMS transported a number of music lovers, who had been chasing a good time, to hospital from a weekend music festival near the banks of the Bow River.

EMS spokesperson Stuart Brideaux says paramedic crews responded to the Chasing Summer electronic music festival at Fort Calgary numerous times this weekend and a total of 17 people left the concert in an ambulance.

Of the 10 women and seven men, who ranged in age from 18 to mid-30s, who required additional medical attention on Friday or Saturday:

  • 11 were transported in stable condition
  • 5 were transported in in serious, but stable condition
  • 1 woman was transported in serious, potentially life threatening condition

According to Brideaux, the 17 patients had been drinking and ingested illicit substances ranging from MDMA, marijuana, cocaine, GHB to Ketamine. Several of the patients were aggressive and uncooperative with EMS crews and police intervention was required to ensure the safety of the patients and EMS.

Brideaux warns against the use of recreational street drugs as they can have damaging effects on the brain, liver, and kidneys. The danger is compounded when the illicit drugs are mixed with alcohol.