Staying sane on Mad Friday

Credit: PA

As Christmas approaches, so does the time for celebration and festivities. And 'Mad Friday' is no exception.

It is the last working Friday before Christmas and is celebrated by revellers who drink alcohol throughout the day and into the night - and so provides a huge increase in 999 calls to the ambulance service.

North West Ambulance Service is calling on party-goers to drink responsibly and to think before they dial 999 following a record breaking number of calls on last year's Mad Friday.

The NWAS received 3781 emergency calls on top of 82 life threatening calls. And shockingly, a Mad Friday party-goer rang 999 in advance, requesting an ambulance to be put on standby for later that night when he was going to be drunk.

The NWAS advises on how to make the most of Mad Friday whilst keeping yourself safe:

  • Mild hyperthermia - alcohol reduces your body temperature so wear a coat and wear sensible shoes.

  • Make prior arrangement to get home safely.

  • Ask a pharmacist for medicines to help you tackle a hangover, whilst getting plenty of rest and fluid.

Last week a social media campaign launched using the hashtag #MakeTheRightCall to encourage people to think twice before calling 999 and consider alternatives for minor illnesses and injuries.