Paramedics prepare for summer festival season as alcohol and drug-related 999 calls start to climb

Paramedics at London Ambulance Service are urging Londoners to enjoy the summer sensibly this year as the season which see the highest number of alcohol-related injuries and drug overdoses arrives early.

 

Every year, the warmer weather, a packed calendar of festivals and exam results celebrations see an increase in emergency calls where alcohol or drugs is a factor. London Ambulance Service attended over 9,700 alcohol-related calls and over 4,700 drug overdoses between June and August in London last year – around 150 calls a day during the peak summer season.

And May and June this year have seen greater numbers for alcohol-related calls than in the previous two years.

The figures come as the Service launches a new campaign for the festival season calling on people to drink sensibly.

The campaign also aims to educate revellers during festival season who may delay calling 999 during a drink or drug related emergency.

Mark Faulkner, Consultant Paramedic at London Ambulance Service, said:

“We understand Londoners want to go out and have fun in the height of summer – particularly with the wealth of music festivals and outdoor events that London offers.

“But we are asking people to look after themselves and their friends so they don’t end up in the back of an ambulance.

“August brings more alcohol related calls than the Christmas party season so if you are enjoying the festival season, please drink sensibly. Every avoidable alcohol-related call we attend could take away from someone who might have a life-threatening condition.

“If you’re drinking alcohol – make sure you have a meal and try to also have soft drinks. If you’re heading out, take a bottle of water with you.

“And if you suspect that a friend is having a drug overdose, there are steps you can take to help to us them. This includes calling 999, telling us what they’ve taken, and following the instructions of the 999 call handler.

“There is no such thing as a reliable drug dealer. You do not know what you are taking and what it might have been mixed with. Even if you have taken the substance before this does not mean it is safe.

“Always call 999 in a life-threatening emergency. We are always here to help if you or your friends need it.”

Ring 999 if someone starts to feel unwell and give as much information as possible about your location – use the What3Words app if you do not know the address. Check symptoms, such as breathing and temperature and use first aid skills if necessary.

Our call handlers will talk you through what you need to do. Always stay with someone who is feeling unwell.

Tell us what they have taken. Please be as honest as possible if someone has been drinking alcohol or has taken drugs. Let us know what and how much they’ve taken.

Tips for a safe night out

Before you leave:

• Have something to eat and make sure you are well hydrated
• Think about how you are going to get home

While you’re out:

• Try and pace yourself. If you want to keep track of what you’re drinking you can check out the Drinkaware drinks calculator
• Don’t accept a drink from someone you don’t know
• Avoid mixing different types of drinks
• Drink water or soft drinks throughout the night and if you’re feeling too drunk
• Recognise the signs that you or one of your friends is drunk and might need a hand
• However hot it is, this is not the time for a swim or a dip ,so stay away from water when you have had a drink

Getting home:

• Have a plan (and a plan B)
• Make sure you and your friends get home