YOUTHS in Halton are risking their lives by bingeing on alcohol - but medics have warned it may be the cowardice of their friends that kills them rather than then the drink.
In a disturbing string of cases, paramedics have been called to attend to young people who have become unconscious due to excessive alcohol and then abandoned by their mates.
Now Merseyside Regional Ambulance Service is urging youngsters Don't Walk Away and Let a Friend Die.
The campign is spearheaded by Halton paramedic Steve Evans. He said: 'It has become clear that in Runcorn and Widnes there's a major problem with groups of teenagers drinking alcohol.
'The concern is that these kids are going to parks and school playing fields, having a party and bingeing on alcohol.
'However, whenever one of them becomes sick or unconscious, the rest are running away because they are frightened.'
In one case, a youngster was discovered alone and unconscious in a field by a woman walking her dog.
And in the space of two weeks, Steve said he attended three separate incidents where youngsters aged 12-14 had passed out due to the effects of alcohol.
'The danger is that if these kids pass out on their back and are abandoned by their friends, it is very easy for them to start to vomit and choke and possibly die,' added Steve.
'As part of the campaign, I would like to form a partnership with Halton Borough Council and go into schools to talk to the young people.
'Alcohol is a poison, especially when drunk by children. I think it's important to get this point across and to them.
'I accept that we will not stop these teenagers drinking alcohol, but we do need to encourage them to call for an ambulance when someone becomes ill and to put the patient in the recovery position.'
