Welsh Ambulance Service urges restraint this 'Mad Friday'

16.12.24

THE Welsh Ambulance Service is urging the public to drink responsibly ahead of the Christmas party weekend.

‘Mad Friday,’ ‘Frantic Friday’ or ‘Black Eye Friday’ is one of the busiest nights of the year for emergency services, marked by increased alcohol consumption and a surge in incidents and accidents.

Last year, the service received 1,250 calls to 999 on the last Friday before Christmas and a further 1,932 calls to its 111 service.

This was an overall increase of more than 200 calls from just the previous Friday.

As the festive season kicks into high gear, the Trust is asking partygoers to stay safe.

Top tips for a safe night out:

• Eat before you start your night – it can provide more energy, slow the absorption of alcohol and you will feel better the next day.
• Try pacing and spacing – having a soft drink or water between alcohol drinks slows the rate of your drinking.
• Plan your journey home – nominate a designated driver, check when the last train is or pre-book your taxi or Uber.
• Look after each other – watch out for friends and colleagues to ensure everyone gets home safely.
• Respect emergency workers – it is never OK to assault emergency workers, even in drink.
• Use 999 appropriately – if it is not serious or life-threatening emergency, visit the NHS 111 Wales website, or call 111.
   

Jonathan Edwards, the Trust’s Assistant Director of Operations (Resourcing and EMS Coordination), said: “Parties and get-togethers are a big feature of this time of year, which in turn puts pressure on blue light services.

"It's easy to forget how much alcohol you’ve consumed when you're enjoying yourself, but while we’re dealing with alcohol-related incidents, we could be delayed in treating someone whose situation really is life or death.

"We’re not killjoys but we are asking the public to drink responsibly and enjoy themselves safely.”