Ambulance staff plead for partygoers to 'behave responsibly' on New Year's Eve

Ambulance staff are pleading with revellers to "behave responsibly" on New Year's Eve.

The festive party season puts more demand on ambulance staff than any other time of the year, according to the Welsh Ambulance Service.

The service is advising partygoers to drink in moderation and to avoid hostile situations.

It is also reminding people that the sickest patients will be responded to first, and less serious callers will wait a number of hours to be seen.

South Wales Police has endorsed the message from the Welsh Ambulance Service.

Louise Platt, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Operations, said: “After a busy Christmas period our ambulance service is preparing for New Year’s Eve with a plea to those celebrating to start 2020 safe and well.

“The traditional party night puts more demand on 999 call handlers, ambulance dispatchers, clinicians in the control room and ambulance crews than any other time of the year.

“Whilst most people will drink responsibly, unfortunately there are some who will overdo it.

“From causing a scene in a bar, falling over and breaking your leg, to driving home over the limit, we urge everyone to stop and think."

South Wales Police has endorsed the message from the Welsh Ambulance Service.

The service has issued this advice for keeping safe:

  • Don’t drink on an empty stomach – make sure to eat something before you go out

  • Drink in moderation and pace yourself – alternate your alcoholic beverages with soft drinks or water

  • Don’t drink and drive – pre-book your taxi home or arrange a lift

  • Think carefully about when you jump in the car the following day – tiredness itself can impede your ability to drive

  • Keep away from hostile situations

  • Look after yourself and your friends