Welsh Ambulance Service issues ‘Mad Friday’ warning
The Welsh Ambulance Service is urging people in Flintshire to show restraint this so called ‘Mad Friday’, as the festive party season begins and pressure on emergency services increases.
Mad Friday, also known as Frantic Friday or Black Eye Friday, marks the last working day before Christmas for many people and is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for emergency services.
While most nights out pass without incident, the ambulance service said excessive drinking can lead to avoidable injuries and place unnecessary strain on crews and the wider NHS.
Jonathan Edwards, Assistant Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service, said people should plan ahead if they are going out drinking.
He said: “Please drink responsibly and always have a designated driver or plan for alternative transport if consuming alcohol.
“Please use emergency services appropriately and only call 999 for serious or life-threatening emergencies.”
He added that alternatives such as the NHS 111 Wales website and Albot, the NHS Wales digital assistant, can help people find health advice and guidance without calling 999.
The service is also asking people to show respect towards ambulance crews, warning that a small number of staff continue to face verbal and physical abuse while doing their jobs.
Jonathan Edwards said: “Our ambulance crews are there to help people, but they can’t fight for someone’s life if they’re fighting for theirs.
“Crews might have no choice but to leave a scene if their personal safety is compromised, and this isn’t helpful for anyone, least of all the patient.”
To help manage increased demand over the festive period, the Welsh Ambulance Service said it will deploy additional services in some areas, including north Wales.
Alcohol Treatment Centres will be operating in north Wales in the run-up to Christmas, providing an alternative place of care for people who have consumed too much alcohol.
The service has also introduced new 999 call categories to ensure patients receive the most appropriate care, which may not always involve sending an ambulance.
Jonathan Edwards added: “We understand that this is a special time of year, where many people will be out celebrating with friends and family.
“Revelling and consuming alcohol may be part of those celebrations but if you are planning on drinking over the festive period, all we ask is that you please do so responsibly.”
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