Ambulance crews braced for busy weekend

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AMBULANCE crews in Worcestershire are bracing themselves for one of the busiest weekends of the year.

West Midlands Ambulance Service is preparing for a surge in call-outs as the Christmas party season gets into full swing.

The drop in temperatures has also increased concerns over the welfare of people who drink excessively but then risk hypothermia by falling asleep on the street.

The Trust is putting out more than 20 per cent extra ambulance vehicles this week at peak times to cope with demand.

WMAS Medical Director, Dr Andy Carson, said they knew from past experience the two weekends before Christmas were extremely busy but he urged party-goers to help ease the burden on paramedics.

“We hope that everyone out celebrating has a great time, but would ask that you look out for your friends and work colleagues to ensure that everyone gets home safely at the end of the night," he said.

“The cold weather this week will adversely affect people that have had too much to drink.Sadly, the reality is that in the past we have seen a number of people that have had too much to drink suffer from hypothermia after falling asleep outside."

“The service also receives an increase in calls to those people who have slipped over and hurt themselves. We also see people who have been injured after misunderstandings have turned to violence.

“If you are going out this weekend, please look out for your mates and ensure that it really is a Happy Christmas.”

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