Ambulance service urges responsible New Year drinking

Trust associate medical director Dr David Macklin said: “The high volume of calls we receive around this time puts the service under increased pressure.

“Our emergency resources can be a lifeline in a genuine life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack but our staff are too often caught up dealing with people with excessive drunkenness and alcohol-fuelled injuries which could have been avoided.

“We’re not saying people shouldn't enjoy an alcoholic drink while celebrating, but ask that they do so sensibly to avoid the need for an ambulance so that they are left for those with a genuine need.”