Help us to help you this weekend

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust is anticipating an increase in alcohol-related calls this weekend now that bars and nightclubs are fully open for the first time in over a year.

The Trust has seen record-breaking demand for its services in recent weeks and has been appealing to the public to only use 999 when there is a serious or life-threatening emergency so that ambulance resources are available for patients who need them most.

With many COVID-19 restrictions now eased and revellers expected to be out in force this weekend, the message is clear – please drink responsibly and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the ambulance service.

Dr Steven Dykes, Deputy Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said: “We are asking people to drink responsibly. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun, but it’s important the ambulance service is available to those who need it most - for people in life-threatening emergencies.

“Please be sensible and don’t ruin your weekend by ending up in the back of an ambulance.”

You can help to reduce pressure on the ambulance service by making sure you:

• Plan your journey home before you head out. Book a taxi or check the time of the last bus or train.
• Eat before drinking.
• Stick to safer drinking levels - consider lower strength drinks and stick to singles rather than doubles.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water.
• Look after each other – make sure everyone you’re with is safe and able to get home.

Heavy drinking can increase the risk of accidents and the likelihood of a rise in A&E admissions. It can also lead to more break-outs of violence, including attacks and assaults towards ambulance staff.

Steven said: “Our staff are there for people in their hour of need. Physical and verbal abuse against any member of NHS staff is completely unacceptable. Please be kind to them – they are there to help.”