Significant rise in number of revellers under the influence

Increase: Festive period saw 60% increase in alcoholrelated casualties

A significant rise in the number of festive revellers who ended up being taken to hospital in Perth and Kinross as a result of excess drink or drug consumption was yesterday described as “shocking.”

Damning statistics released through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request show that emergency crews attended to 40 casualties under the influence of alcohol or drugs in the region in 2015/16, compared to just 25 in 2014/15. The overall picture in Scotland mirrors this, with a 60% rise in ambulance crews attending to people under the influence between December 1, 2015 and January 4 this year.

In addition, the Scottish Conservatives claim the problem is highlighted by the number of drug-related deaths in the country rising to its highest level since records began, with the National Records of Scotland revealing 613 people died after taking drugs in 2014.

There were also 1,152 alcohol-related deaths in Scotland in 2014 and 35,059 alcohol-related hospital stays in 2014/15.

Yesterday, Murdo Fraser, Scottish Conservative MSP for Mid Scotland and Fife, slammed the figures and claimed they show “all that is wrong” with Scotland’s relationship with drink and drugs and that it is time to turn this around.

“Although many people enjoy a tipple during the festivities it is shocking that our hard-working ambulance crews have to deal with so many casualties that are under the influence,” he told The Courier.

“There is a certain amount of personal responsibility involved but the Scottish Government should be doing all they can to reduce the number of drink and drug casualties.

“The time has come for the SNP to sort this problem out before it gets any worse.”

And a spokesperson for the Scottish Ambulance Service stressed that dealing with people who have taken too much drink or drugs diverts their staff from patients who “need them the most”.

He said: “Alcohol has a significant impact on ambulance operations across Scotland. Our teams worked tirelessly to respond to significant increases in demand over the festive period, which was largely driven by alcohol.

“People can help reduce the number of alcohol related ‘999’ calls by taking more care to drink responsibly.”

it is shocking that our hardworking ambulance crews have to deal with so many casualties that are under the influence. MSP MURDO FRASER