Emergency services on alert for sharp increase in alcohol-related incidents

WITH many people finishing work today, the emergency services are gearing up for “Black Friday”.

Police forces and ambulance crews anticipate higher volumes of 999 calls as people overdo it at their Christmas parties.

Alcohol-related incidents rise steeply at this time of the year and increase pressure on NHS services in particular.

Alcohol Treatment Centres are open in both Cardiff and Swansea city centres over the festive period, designed to stop drunk people travelling to A&E departments for treatment.

The Welsh Ambulance Service is operating a triage vehicle in Cardiff city centre to assess patients, freeing up paramedics and police officers to respond to other emergencies.

The Trust’s Cycle Response Unit – a team of paramedics, emergency medical technicians and community first responders – are out on two wheels in the Welsh capital providing treatment and working alongside colleagues from South Wales Police.

Richard Lee, the Welsh Ambulance Service’s director of operations, said: “We are not killjoys, but every year we see a number of 999 calls to attend alcohol-related incidents at Christmas celebrations.

“We are providing additional resources in some areas, but we would ask you to help us by taking care of your friends and colleagues by making sure everybody gets home safely from your office party or night out.

“Make sure you know how you and your party are getting home and wear appropriate clothing for the cold and wet weather.

“We wish you all a very happy Christmas.”

South Wales Police’s senior officers say that on the whole the festive season has gone well so far.

The force has been running a campaign called Drink Less Enjoy More.

Deputy Chief Constable Richard Lewis said: “We’re grateful to everyone who enjoyed themselves responsibly last weekend, and we look forward to ensuring that everyone can do so again this weekend as the build-up to Christmas continues in earnest.

“It is heartening – although not surprising – to learn that the overwhelming majority of people who enjoyed themselves on nights out across south Wales last weekend did so responsibly.

“Our towns and cities are fantastic destinations for an evening out, and in large part that is down to the good behaviour of those who enjoy themselves.

“However, the robust policing operations we have in place right across south Wales and the support of a wide range of partners ensures that even when incidents do occur, we are able to intervene and prevent further harm.

“During the festive season, and year-round, our plans ensure not only that our town and city centres are well-policed, but that all of our communities receive the level of service they rightly expect.”