Pill testing under the microscope for festival deaths inquest

One of the five youths who died at a NSW music festival in recent months took six to nine MDMA pills which were 77 per cent pure.

While another took just one.

An inquest opened at NSW Coroners Court in Glebe today will investigate five overdose deaths in the last four months.

Diana Nguyen, Joseph Pham, Callum Brosnan, Joshua Tam and Alexandra Ross-King all died after taking drugs at NSW music festivals.

All were aged between 19 and 23.

Two deaths at music festivals in 2015 and 2017 could also be investigated.

Counsel assisting Peggy Dwyer said the inquest would rely entirely on evidence.

"One young adult consumed six to nine of the pills he bought over the course of the day, and that the pill MDMA was 77 per cent pure," she said.

"Which is considered very high.

"In another case only one pill was consumed, while a third person died after mixing alcohol with what appeared to be MDMA."

Extra critical medical teams will be brought in to deal with any emergencies at three music festivals on Australia Day, including Electric Gardens and Hardcore Til I Die.

The coroner could be left to make the controversial call on whether pill testing should be allowed at music festivals.

The issue is likely to be raised at the inquest.

Another directions hearing will be held for the inquest on February 28.