Health experts and the emergency services are urging partygoers to stay safe ahead of the often drink-fuelled “Black Friday” celebrations.
The last Friday before Christmas Day has gained a reputation as one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, bars and pubs across Wales.
But it is also the most hectic day of the year for hospital A&E departments and ambulance crews who often see an influx of severely drunk patients.
Drunken behaviour 'rockets'
Equally local authorities and police forces in Wales are well-prepared for a night when incidents of violence and disorderly behaviour typically skyrocket.
Cardiff council and South Wales Police have joined forces for Operation Mistletoe, which aims to curb alcohol-related disorder, vehicle crime, and theft in the city.
Extra vehicles and police officers will be deployed in the city centre during the busiest times and door staff at bars and clubs will be armed with body cameras to help detect and prevent crime.
Additional litter bins and temporary urinals will be dotted around the capital to reduce levels of litter and street pastors will be out in force to support vulnerable people.
'Safe environment for all'
South Wales Police Superintendent Stephen Jones said: “We want people to come to Cardiff to enjoy the Christmas season and everything the city has to offer.
“Operation Mistletoe will focus on both the day and night-time economy with additional patrols to create a safe environment for all.
“We want everyone to enjoy the capital but in a way that is socially acceptable and respectful of others.
“This year we have some additional measures – the body cams and the breathalysers – to encourage people to drink less and enjoy more.
“Throughout the campaign we will be working closely with our partner agencies to ensure everybody has a good time and that they get home safely.”
Added pressure on ambulance crews
The Welsh Ambulance Service took 800 calls on Black Friday last year – nearly 200 more than a normal Friday night.
A spokesman for the service said extra resources will be used across Wales and special initiatives in larger towns and cities are also in the pipeline.
Gordon Roberts, the interim assistant director of operations, said: “Parties and get-togethers are a big feature of this time of year which in turn puts pressure on ambulance crews and clinical contact centre staff.
“It’s easy to forget how much alcohol you have consumed when you’re enjoying yourself but while we are dealing with alcohol-related incidents we could be delayed in treating someone whose situation really is life or death.
“We are not killjoys but we are asking the public to drink responsibly and enjoy themselves safely.”
'Unacceptable' for paramedics to be abused
Frontline emergency paramedic David Thomson said fellow crew members had been attacked by angry revellers in the past.
He has urged the public to treat ambulance staff across Wales with respect so they can focus on saving people’s lives.
He said: “Black Friday is one of the busiest days of our year especially between the hours of 4pm and 4am.
“The vast majority of party-goers are so kind to paramedics, often thanking us for keeping them safe while walking past our emergency vehicles.
“But sadly for a few paramedics carrying out vital medical treatment are perceived as having taken sides in a dispute or people see that we are in uniform and want to have a go.
“The only side we are on is that of a patient who needs our help.
“It is absolutely unacceptable for paramedics to ever be intimidated, assaulted, shouted at or have their lifesaving equipment damaged just for doing our jobs.
“All any paramedic wants is for everyone to have a safe and a fun night out before Christmas. Enjoy your parties and karaoke and by all means come over and say hello but please treat us with respect.”
'Spare a thought for whoever’s picking up the pieces'
Alcohol is seen as one of the most serious risks to the health of the public in Wales, particularly on a day when binge drinking levels soar.
Andrew Misell, director of Alcohol Concern Cymru, said: “Realistically some people are going to overdo at this Friday but I would ask anyone who’s out on the lash this weekend to spare a thought for whoever’s picking up the pieces.
“In many of our towns and cities it takes a small army of police, paramedics, and volunteer street pastors to help us avoid the consequences of our own drinking.
“And once everyone’s had enough of Christmas excess and mid-afternoon hangovers I would certainly encourage us all to sign up for the Dry January challenge.
“It’s not about getting anyone to give up alcohol for ever more but it is about taking a pause for thought and considering how much we drink, why, and whether we can manage without it.”
Cardiff Bus has announced it will be reducing its day tickets on Friday in a bid to become "designated driver" for those travelling in Cardiff and the surrounding areas.
It will be reducing the price of a day to go ticket in Cardiff to £3 for adults or £2 for young people under 19 years old.
Customers wishing to travel across the entire network can purchase the day to go plus ticket at the reduced fare of £4 for adults or £3 for young persons, or for those just travelling around Barry the reduced fare will be £3 for adults or £2 for young people.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/health/emergency-services-issue-stay-safe-10615568
No comments:
Post a Comment