Boston officials came prepared for the worst when Avicii played at the TD Garden on Wednesday night, and maybe that was for the best. A reported 36 individuals were transported from the arena to local hospitals for symptoms resulting from intoxication and dehydration.
Boston EMS responders came to handle two individuals in need of medical assistance and began preparing a more dramatic defense, consisting of 16 ambulances, at around 10:30 P.M. The number of individuals requiring medical attention as the concert neared its end was high enough that the Boston Public Health Commission declared a "Level 2 Mass Casualty" status, meant to alert hospitals that a sudden influx of up to 30 incoming patients should be expected. Despite the ominous terms and titles, all treated were released by the time the night was over, and no fatalities occurred. Officials report that most of the afflicted were between the ages of 16 and 25.
The troubles at EDM events are especially fresh in Boston, where a young woman died while attending a Zedd concert during 2013. That event prompted strict guidelines for the Avicii show, including the ambulances at the ready and a one beer limit at the arena. Attendees suggested that fans drank in advance to overcome the alcohol limits and an employee for the TD Garden told a reporter for Boston's WHDH that there was "vomit everywhere."
Avicii's having bad luck on his current tour due to bad behavior by fans. His show at Toronto's Rogers Centre involved the hospitalization of 29 fans.
"Just hearing the awful news abt tonight," the performer tweeted after the show. "Its a terrible thing, I rly hope everyone is ok! My thoughts go to those affected & their families."
Fortunately, thanks to the wariness of Boston EMS, everyone is indeed ok.
