‘Don’t let New Year be a drinking disaster’

The East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) is already under pressure because of a combination of the festive season, the cold weather and calls to winter illnesses.

Ambulance service bosses are now appealing to revellers to think before they drink as paramedics brace themselves for one of the busiest nights of the year.

The service has seen a rise in the number of calls over the holiday season compared to last year, particularly to the most urgent category – Cat A incidents, which are deemed life-threatening.

Dr Nick Morton, assistant medical director, said: ”We want people to have fun but that involves ringing in the New Year safely and in style, not starting it in an ambulance, hospital or even just in your own home while suffering illness or injury.

“Celebrating doesn’t mean you have to put yourself at risk, people should be taking care of themselves and their friends. Not only can drinking too much be a danger to yourself but it is also a major factor in assaults and serious road traffic collisions. Unfortunately, our service sees far too many of these kinds of incidents every year.

“We are hoping people in the East of England will support us in preventing as many emergency calls as possible over New Year so that we can concentrate on providing the best and fastest possible emergency care for patients who are suffering serious illness and need urgent treatment.”