Ambulance appeal to festive drinkers

Dec 24 2009 by Jo Henwood, Chester Chronicle

THE North West Ambulance Service is asking party-goers to be drink-wise this Christmas.

The advice encourages those going to office and house parties and meeting up with friends at the pub, to keep track of how much they are drinking.

The department of health advises women to drink no more than two to three units of alcohol and men to limit themselves to three to four units per day.

NWAS director of emergency services, Derek Cartwright said: “We are not trying to put a dampener on the festive season. We are simply asking party-goers to take a sensible and moderate approach in order to reduce the risk of becoming another ‘statistic.

“This is the busiest time of the year for the ambulance service without the added pressure of alcohol related calls, many of which can be avoided.

“If people take a sensible approach, they can help ensure ambulance crews are free to attend to very poorly people.”

Top tips to stay in control include eating properly before drinking, alternate alcoholic drinks with water, don't mix drink and drugs and take 48 hours rest from drinking to give your body time to recover.