SAS expects a 20% increase in emergency calls over Christmas
The Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) is expecting a 20% surge in 999 calls over the Christmas and Hogmanay period; almost all of these additional calls will be due to alcohol-related incidents.
In 2012 the SAS received around 29,000 calls over the Christmas and New Year period, which runs from 14th December and 1st January. The service expects even more calls this year, which will put a huge strain on resources.
As well as people injuring themselves and others due to alcohol abuse, the SAS often finds itself in the front line of violent attacks. Every year ambulance staff are the victims of verbal and physical attacks by drunken revellers and have warned that any attacks will be reported to the police.
Pauline Howie, chief executive of the SAS, said: “Our staff do a fantastic job of keeping people safe over the festive season and into the winter, yet they have to deal with the added challenges that come with excessive alcohol consumption at this time of year. Ambulance crews deserve respect and appreciation, not the verbal abuse and physical assaults that many of them endure at the busiest time of year for 999 emergency calls.”
Ms Howie added that the SAS would ask people to dress appropriately for the weather and to drink sensibly as they enjoy the festive parties, which will help the service to focus on the people most in need of its assistance.
Alcohol abuse is taking its toll on Scots of all ages. Binge drinking is becoming more common, and the prevalence of alcohol abuse rises dramatically over the festive period. Many people lose all inhibitions and self-control when extremely drunk and place themselves and others at great risk.