EMERGENCY staff thanked the public after a reduction in 999 calls over the last full weekend before Christmas compared to last year.
Dubbed Black Friday, it usually sees one of the year’s heaviest volume of 999 calls due to a combination of dipping temperatures and festive over-indulgence.
Last year Friday December 17 alone saw 2,121 calls to 999 but this Friday the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) received 1,930 calls.
In Bedfordshire, there were 736 calls last year on Black Friday compared to 626 this year.
Alan Murray, director of service delivery said: “We are really pleased to see the public taking better care of themselves. We have put out a number of messages telling people that to have a good time and ensure your party doesn’t end in A&E you simply need to look after yourself and your drinking and that appears to have been taken on board, which is great.
“We are now emphasising the message again for next week when no doubt people will be making the most of the final weekend nights before everyone settles in for Christmas. Most of all be conscious of how much you’re drinking and don’t drink on an empty stomach, include soft drinks and lots of water and plan your journey home. Pre-book a taxi if need be.”
EEAST will be putting on extra resources next weekend in readiness for an increase in demand but is urging people not to call unnecessarily so they can get to the patients who really need their help.