South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SCAS) issued the appeal on 19 December 2024, urging people to be responsible over the weekend of Friday 20 December, when Christmas party celebrations "kick off in earnest"1. The trust said it and the wider NHS were facing significant pressure, and that reducing avoidable emergencies would make a real difference to demand on the 999 service1.
Mark Ainsworth, director of operations at SCAS, said the last few weeks had been extremely busy for staff and that the service needed the public's help that weekend1. The trust said that by reducing such calls it would be able to respond more quickly to patients with life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrests, strokes and heart attacks1. It said an ambulance sent to someone who has drunk too much and needs medical assistance might otherwise not be immediately available for someone critically ill or injured1.
"SCAS, and the wider NHS, is currently facing significant pressure and anything members of the public can do to help prevent avoidable emergencies will make a real difference to demand on the 999 service"
SCAS set out safety tips under three headings1:
| Area | SCAS advice |
|---|---|
| Drink safely | Know your limits and do not exceed them; eat something before going out; have water or soft drinks between alcoholic drinks |
| Look after each other | Do not leave drinks unattended; stay together as a group; speak to venue staff or street pastors if you feel unsafe |
| Plan your journey home | Check public transport timings or pre-book a taxi; keep well away from rivers, canals and waterways; never drive under the influence of drink or drugs |
The trust also pointed to nighttime services in some city centres, such as First Stop in Reading and Safe Space in Portsmouth, where revellers can get immediate medical assistance or a place of safety if they are feeling vulnerable, avoiding a call to 999 or a visit to A&E1. No figures for call volumes, response times or the number of staff working over the weekend were given in the announcement1.
Why it matters for households
The appeal covers the weekend beginning Friday 20 December 2024 across the SCAS area. SCAS states that demand on the 999 service is significant and that avoidable calls delay responses to cardiac arrests, strokes and heart attacks1. Its advice to the public is to drink within known limits, eat before going out, alternate alcoholic drinks with water or soft drinks, stay with their group, and plan the journey home in advance, including keeping away from rivers, canals and waterways and not driving under the influence1. It also advises speaking to venue staff or street pastors if people feel unsafe, and using city centre nighttime services where available rather than calling 999 or attending A&E1. For guidance on when an emergency call is appropriate, see when should you call 999, part of the staying informed section.
What happens next
The appeal applies to the weekend of Friday 20 December 2024. SCAS has not announced any further measures beyond the advice in its statement1.
When to Call 999
