With well over 100,000 raving, neon-covered maniacs dancing to some of the most popular electronic dance music artists, health safety was a major concern of festival founders Mr. Bindra and Ms. de Palma. Electric Zee, a.k.a. “EZOO,” is a three-day music festival held on Randall’s Island in New York City.  Some of the most popular artists who performed included David Guetta, Caked Up, Zedd, Nicky Romero, and many more. As a result of the drug-related deaths of two festivalgoers last year, the bar for security and health safety was raised high for this year’s event.

According to the Huffington Post, 20 year old Olivia Rotondo died after taking six hits of the drug “molly,” the powder or crystal form of MDMA following Saturday’s show last year.  Also, 23-year-old Syracuse University graduate student Jeffrey Russ had died from the use of both ecstasy and crystal meth that same night.  As a result of these deaths, the last day of last year’s festival, Sunday, was cancelled.

Electric Zoo made a safe and successful come back this year according to RollingStone.com after adding increased usage of “plain-clothing” officers who specialize in patrolling the illegal use of narcotics.  Drug-sniffing dogs were also stationed at every entrance to the event.

“The security line was pretty intense because they searched bags and stuff. They also had two big help centers set up for medical assistance and a hydration center,” said Caitlin Lillis, a senior at Bronxville High School whom attended the event this year.

The New York Times said that the extensive staff of 70 emergency technicians, 15 paramedics, five trauma nurses, two physicians and a team of guards on pneumatic lifts with binoculars and night-vision goggles had also returned from last year’s EZOO.

“I think that people would get the same effect as taking drugs just by being there, listening to the music, seeing all of the lights, and dancing with the crowds. The security is important as they are trying to keep a safe environment where people can have a great time,” said Marisa Nakagama, a sophomore here at Hackley.

The age limit of 18+ for Electric Zoo has been a disputed topic among EDM enthusiasts.  Sophomore Morgan Zepf said, “The age limit seems like an appropriate thing to do.  I don’t really think that the arguing music-lovers should be enough of a reason to change the age limit from 18. Younger teens are just unhappy because they can’t experience something they really would like to, but considering the risks, its sort of a similar situation as cliff jumping in Hawaii; it seems super fun, but it may not be worth it.”

Based on this year’s success, founders Mr. Bindra and Ms. de Palma will be sure to keep security measures high to protect the attendees and their well being.