Ambulance bosses launch campaign by advising: “Drink responsibly”

As part of Alcohol Awareness Week 2013, which runs until Sunday, Yorkshire Ambulance Service has warned that people could harm themselves or others when drinking too much.

Alcohol is one of the leading causes of accidents in the UK and ambulance crews are often called to pick up the pieces at incidents where someone has become ill or injured as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.

David Williams, deputy director of operations at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “Individuals who are under the influence of alcohol are more likely to take risks which could lead to accidents and, unfortunately, the seriousness of any illness or injury they may sustain is likely to be greater than if they were sober.

“On Friday and Saturday nights, staff in our Emergency Operations Centres see a noticeable increase in the number of people calling for an ambulance where alcohol is believed to have been a factor.

“In addition, ambulance crews working night shifts at the weekends, particularly those who operate in urban areas, expect to spend much of their time dealing with alcohol-fuelled incidents such as falls, assaults and alcohol poisoning.”

A joint initiative by YAS and police has seen police and paramedic teams in rapid response vehicles operating in busy town and city centres.

People who have often suffered a minor injury are seen quicker, the police have a paramedic immediately on scene, the number of unnecessary trips to hospital emergency departments are reduced and ambulances are left to deal with more serious emergencies.

David added: £What some people may not stop to consider is that an ambulance crew caught up dealing with an alcohol-related incident that could have been avoided, can then be delayed from reaching someone with a more serious life-threatening condition such as a heart attack.

“We don’t want people to stop enjoying themselves but we would like to make sure our valuable resources are there for the people who really need us.  “Please drink responsibly to protect yourselves and others and free up our services for those whose lives are at risk.”

For information and advice about the effects of alcohol on lives and lifestyles, visit the Drinkaware website: www.drinkaware.co.uk