'Blackout Rage Gallons' Trend At UMass Leads To 28 Ambulance Calls

AMHERST, MA — Twenty-eight ambulances responded to off-campus parties at UMass this weekend due to alcohol poisoning cases, school officials confirmed.

The Amherst Fire Department handled requests for 28 ambulance transports, prompting mutual aid and a task force activation for additional resources. None of the cases were life threatening, UMass said in a statement.

Amherst Police and UMass Police reported two arrests for underage possession of alcohol and responded to numerous calls for service.

The students were reportedly carrying jugs with "blackout rage gallons," or "BORGs," a mix of alcohol, electrolytes, flavoring, and water, part of a binge-drinking trend becoming popular on TikTok.

The university said in a statement that as a result of the incidents, it will work to improve alcohol education. In a statement, the university said it will "assess this weekend's developments and consider steps to improve alcohol education and intervention, and communicate with students and families."

All incoming students currently participate in required education called Alcohol.edu, which includes information about the size of standard drinks, and physiological and medical risks of binge drinking.