Londoners are getting more drunk in August than in December’s party season, according to a new campaign launched by London Ambulance Service today (1 August).
Figures released by the UK’s busiest ambulance service show that over 6,650 people were treated by ambulance crews after drinking too much last August (2016) – compared to less than 6,000 in December (2016).
For the first time ever, the Service is running an alcohol campaign in August – #NotAnAmbulance – to encourage people to look after their friends if they have drunk too much. The campaign is being launched with a 90 second film which highlights the issue.
Medical Director, Dr Fenella Wrigley, said:
Drinking too much puts people in a vulnerable situation. If you cannot look after yourself you risk injury by falling or being less aware of traffic and other hazards. You also risk losing your phone and keys, leaving you stranded on the streets.
Many people who have drunk too much end up in arguments and tussles with others – something which, when sober, they would never be involved in. We’re asking people to drink responsibly and if their friends do drink too much and need help, look after them so they don’t end up alone, vulnerable and in need of an ambulance.
Dr Wrigley added:
A lot of the people our control room and ambulance crews respond to on Friday and Saturday nights don’t need an ambulance – they need a friend to take responsibility to get them home safely and look after them.
While we’re treating patients who have had too much to drink – others, who are potentially seriously ill or injured could be waiting for help.
Our message is simple – look after your friends, and make sure they get home safely, rather than ending their night in the back of an ambulance.
