Hardmission Festival overdoses result of MDMA, heat, physical exertion: health department

The health department has revealed the cause of eight overdoses at Hardmission Festival — and drugs weren’t solely to blame.

A mass overdose at last weekend’s Hardmission Festival was not the result of a single batch of MDMA, but a mixture of taking the party drug, sweltering temperatures and “physical exertion”, the state’s health department revealed on Friday.

Eight revellers were put into induced comas after overdosing on ecstasy at the Flemington Showgrounds rave last weekend, which brought the debate of whether Victoria should introduce pill testing back into the spotlight.

Seven of those were given specialised blood tests - all showing MDMA present.

Six of them showed a “very high” amount of the drug.

One patron had PMMA (a stimulant drug with unpredictable effects) in their system, which is commonly sold as, or mixed with MDMA.

Eight revellers were placed into induced comas.

On Friday evening, three of those revellers – two men in their 20s and a woman in her teens – were still fighting for life and a man in his 20s remained in a serious condition.

The Department of Health on Friday said the mass overdose was a concoction of using MDMA, temperatures well above 30C with high humidity, physical activity and taking other substances.

“Nine people recently became unwell after using MDMA at a music event. Some were also exposed to PMMA, synthetic cathinones and/or methamphetamine,” the alert read.

“Seven people who became unwell had specialised blood tests, all of which showed MDMA. Six had very high concentrations of MDMA.

“Consuming these substances at a hot, humid music event will increase the risk of life-threatening hyperthermia.

Some revellers were exposed to the synthetic drug; PMMA

Others had very high levels of MDMA in their system.

“All patients in this cluster experienced life-threatening hyperthermia (high body temperature). Consuming MDMA causes your core body temperature to increase.

“A larger dose of MDMA on its own can be enough to cause hyperthermia. Additional factors will make the body even hotter.”

The department said festival goers should be aware of the signs.

“Signs of drug-related hyperthermia include feeling uncomfortably hot, nausea and vomiting, excessive thirst, confusion, agitation, muscle spasms, seizures or losing consciousness. Experiencing even one of these signs is reason to get help,” they added.

“If you experience any unusual or unexpected effects, or notice someone appearing confused or unwell, seek urgent medical attention. Don’t delay seeking help.”

It comes as police beefed-up security measures at Juicy Fest on Friday, with dozens of officers and sniffer dogs swarming crowds upon entry.