National Amphetamine-Type Stimulant Strategy Background Paper

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Other researchers have likewise suggested a broad range of strategies to reduce drug
related risks (in particular those associated with ATS use) at entertainment venues,
including:
• Preventing overcrowding;
• Managing ambient temperature at low risk levels;
• Providing cool or ‘chill-out’ areas;
• Providing free and ready access to water; and
• Providing a first aid room.
(See Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee (2004) for a more detailed summary).
Similarly, Hando and colleagues (1998) argued that Australian protocols for entertainment
venues (i.e., clubs and dance party) were needed to ensure the provision of adequate
water, ensure effective ventilation and ambient temperature management, effective crowd
control and provision of first aid areas, chill out rooms and regular monitoring of patrons well
being. This led to work on Australian guidelines for rave promoters and nightclub owners to
increase the safety of dance parties. The National Protocols for Conducting Safer Dance
Parties were subsequently developed and made recommendations related to adequate
provision of water, ventilation, ‘chill-out’ areas, medical assistance, security checks, and
information for users.
Further guidelines were produced from the ‘Reducing Drug Harm in the Dance Party
Scene Project’ conducted Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia (DASSA) and South
Australian Police. ‘The Guidelines for Safer Dance Parties’ related to:
• Basic safety;
• Temperature and ventilation;
• Chill-out areas;
• Availability of drinking water and food;
• Alcohol licensing;
• Venue capacity and crowd management;
• Security and door staff;
• Communication systems;
• First aid and medical emergency action;
• Community education;
• Toilets;
• Emergency service consultation;