Ambulance service urges safety amid ‘black eye Friday’ surge

The Friday before Christmas traditionally sees a spike in alcohol-related injuries, assaults and avoidable incidents, putting pressure on hospitals and ambulance crews.

Last year, the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) handled more than 4,300 calls and attended more than 1,200 incidents on ‘black eye Friday’ alone.

This year it falls during a five-day strike by resident doctors, from December 17 until 7am on December 22, leaving NHS services stretched.

Stu Holliday from NEAS said: “When someone needs our service, we want to have the right resources available to respond. Delays can bring harm to patients so it’s important that we take every measure we can to reduce them. 

“Winter is always busy for health services but particularly over the festive period like ‘black eye Friday’. The public can help us protect the services for those who need it the most.

“We want everyone to have a good time, but don’t ruin your fun by ending up in the back of an ambulance.”

He urged the public to look after each other and stay safe, drink responsibily, stay with friends, make plans on how to get home, and issued a reminder that 999 and A&E are for emergencies only. He also asked people to respect the hard-working staff.

Dr Neil O’Brien, chief medical officer for the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), warned that avoidable alcohol-related incidents could divert resources from those in critical need.

“It’s so important that we make sure that our hospitals and 999 services are kept free to look after those who really do need emergency care,” he said.

“Avoidable incidents at this time of year, often linked to drinking too much, put a major strain on all health services. Enjoy the festivities, but please stay safe and remember to limit your drinking – as you don’t want to spend your Christmas in A&E.”

Susan Taylor, head of alcohol policy at Balance, said: “The risks from alcohol are not just around a drunken night gone wrong. Alcohol is a cause of cancer, liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Nearly one million people in England are admitted to hospital with illnesses caused by alcohol every year.

“The North East is facing some of the highest rates of harm, and along with alcohol-related disorder and violence, this creates extra pressure on already stretched emergency crews on our streets and in our hospitals.

“While some will blame individuals drinking too much, we need to remember that alcohol can be an addiction which many people struggle with, and people are surrounded by pressures to buy alcohol and to drink, especially at Christmas.

“The impact on our own health and the region takes a huge toll.”