Harm reduction at festivals — what to do if someone is having a difficult experience

The TRIP model from the Zendo Project is the gold standard: Trust (build trust first), Relaxation (help them relax into the experience), Internal/External (support them in finding an appropriate focus), and Presence (just be with them). The most important principle: you are not trying to stop the experience, you are trying to hold space for it safely. This means not rushing to provide benzodiazepines or calling medical too quickly unless there's a safety issue. Most difficult psychedelic experiences resolve safely with good support.

Practical approach: (1) Approach calmly, introduce yourself, ask 'can I sit with you?' (2) Move to a quieter space if they'll follow — noisy festival environments amplify distress. (3) Ground them with simple questions: 'What's your name? Where are you from?' (4) Remind them: 'You took a substance, this will pass, you are safe.' (5) Do not tell them to calm down — this is invalidating. (6) If they're mobile and want to walk, walk with them. Movement can help.

When to escalate to medical: if the person is a danger to themselves or others, if they've taken a substance combined with alcohol or other drugs and are vomiting while unconscious (aspiration risk), if they show signs of hyperthermia (overheating), or if they completely lose touch with reality in a way that doesn't respond to support after 20–30 minutes. Most festivals now have dedicated 'chill out' tents staffed by Zendo-trained volunteers. Know where that resource is before working the event.