During a free Montreal Jazz Festival concert on Saturday night, six individuals were transported to the hospital, according to both event organizers and Urgences-santé. The festival drew massive crowds of attendees eager to experience Quebec’s renowned masked band, Angine de Poitrine.
Emergency medical crews from Urgences-santé attended to 10 individuals with various medical issues, including falls and intoxication. Of these cases, six were taken to the hospital, with four declining transport assistance. Benjamin Dansereau, a spokesperson for Urgences-santé, noted that while some of the hospitalized individuals were in a more critical condition, the overall incident rate was within the expected range for such events.
Dansereau emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, finding shade or cool areas if feeling overheated, and being vigilant in crowded settings to prevent medical emergencies. He commended the prompt response and effective actions of the emergency teams during the concert.
One festival attendee, Robert Mark, described the chaotic scene at the concert, mentioning the challenges of navigating through the crowd towards the stage. Despite the crowded conditions, Mark appreciated the diverse audience, including families and fans dressed in homage to Angine de Poitrine’s distinct attire.
The festival’s director of programming, Maurin Auxéméry, expressed satisfaction with the event’s management, citing increased security measures and meticulous planning to accommodate the large turnout. He lauded the success of the concert, noting that the festival had not witnessed such a massive audience since Stevie Wonder’s performance in 2009. Auxéméry praised the local band’s ability to draw such significant crowds to downtown Montreal, considering it a privilege for the festival.