999 crews ask for public's help to reduce ‘avoidable emergencies’.
The ambulance service responsible for Milton Keynes has issued its top safety tips to help keep revellers safe over the forthcoming New Year’s Eve night.
The South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) is urging people to be responsible as pub and club visitors and party-goers enjoy a big night out in the city.
The Trust says that it, like the rest of the NHS, is facing significant pressure, and anything that MK’s public can do to help prevent avoidable emergencies will make a big difference to demand on the 999 service.
By reducing such calls, say service officials, its crews will be able to respond more quickly to patients with life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrests, strokes and heart attacks.
The service attends to at least 1500 emergency 999 call-outs every day across its region, which includes Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.
“The last few weeks have been extremely busy for our staff, and we really need the public’s help,” said Mark Ainsworth, director of operations at SCAS.
“If you drink yourself into unconsciousness this can lead to an entirely avoidable emergency ambulance call out. Every ambulance sent to someone who has drunk too much and needs medical assistance means we might not have a crew immediately available for someone who is critically ill or injured.”
Now SCAS want people to follow its top tips for a safe and enjoyable night that doesn’t end up in the back of an ambulance, at hospital or worse. The tips include:
Drink safely
- Know your limits and don’t exceed these
- Make sure you eat something before going out
- Have water or soft drinks between alcoholic drinks
Look after each other
- Don’t leave drinks unattended
- Stay together if you’re in a group
- Speak to venue staff or street pastors if you feel unsafe
Plan your journey home
- Check public transport timings or pre-book a taxi
- Keep well away from rivers, canals and waterways
- Never drive under the influence of drink or drugs
