Ibiza's Ambulance Service Faces Overload Amid Rising Club Drug Incidents

The ambulance service on the Spanish island of Ibiza is reportedly at risk of collapse due to frequent emergency callouts to nightclubs. According to José Manuel Maroto, president of the local health services union, nearly one-third of emergency responses are related to incidents at clubs, primarily addressing issues stemming from recreational drug use. This situation has prompted the union to urge club owners to consider contracting private ambulance services to alleviate the burden on public emergency providers.

The local health services union, representing emergency responders, highlighted that the increasing number of drug-related emergencies places significant strain on the available resources. Maroto emphasized, “It’s inconceivable that businesses with an income of millions of euros a year can’t provide this service which is saturating the emergency services at the expense of the local population,” as reported by elDiario.es on July 6, 2025. He further noted that while clubs are required to hire nurses, the responsibility for ambulance services falls on public health services, which are already stretched thin due to the demands of Ibiza's 3.6 million annual visitors.

Historically, Ibiza has been known as a global nightlife hub, attracting millions of tourists keen on experiencing its vibrant club culture. The island first gained popularity in the 1980s with iconic venues such as Amnesia and Pacha. Currently, it features numerous clubs, including the recently inaugurated UNVRS, which can accommodate 10,000 patrons and charges up to €100 for entry. Despite the influx of revenue from tourism, the local population of approximately 161,000 feels the impact of these demands on emergency services.

A report from the regional government indicates that tourists spend approximately €1.5 of every €10 on nightlife activities, raising concerns about the prioritization of profit over public safety. Maroto's comments reflect a growing sentiment that the local emergency services are being compromised for the sake of a lucrative entertainment sector. This sentiment is echoed by a study published in European Psychiatry, which documented 58 drug-related deaths on the island between 2010 and 2016, with a significant proportion involving young Britons.

Industry experts, including Dr. Clara Lopez, a public health analyst at the University of Barcelona, argue that the dynamic nature of Ibiza's nightlife necessitates innovative solutions to improve safety. “There needs to be a collaborative approach between the clubs and local health services to ensure that the well-being of both residents and visitors is prioritized,” said Dr. Lopez.

As the situation unfolds, the local health authorities are exploring potential partnerships with private ambulance providers. However, Maroto insists that club owners must take responsibility for their patrons’ safety, stating that, “It is unjust that the island’s residents should receive an inferior service because of the demands of the nightlife economy.”

In light of these challenges, Ibiza's ambulance service stands at a critical juncture. The ongoing discourse about public health, safety, and economic interests underscores the complexities of managing a world-renowned party destination while safeguarding the health of its residents and visitors. Moving forward, stakeholders must engage in meaningful dialogue to address these pressing issues, ensuring that the island's legacy as a party haven does not come at the expense of public health.