With a predicted 45% surge in calls, paramedics urge the public to celebrate responsibly and avoid unnecessary emergencies.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) is preparing for an unprecedented spike in emergency calls this New Year’s Eve, with forecasts predicting a 45% increase compared to normal. Paramedics have issued a warning, urging the public to celebrate the festivities safely as the service expects to handle around 8,000 calls, which is over 2,500 more than the typical 5,500.

This surge in demand comes at a time when the LAS is already struggling with significant delays. Recent reports reveal that one in seven ambulances in London has been forced to wait over an hour to hand patients over to hospitals. The pressures are mounting as winter intensifies, and paramedics are preparing for a challenging night.

Alex Ewings, the Assistant Director of Ambulance Operations, stressed the importance of making wise decisions during the celebrations. “We hope everyone enjoys the New Year, but we urge you to take care and avoid ending the night in an ambulance. We’re already under a great deal of pressure this winter, and each avoidable alcohol-related incident means longer waiting times for those with life-threatening conditions,” he said.

To ensure that emergency resources are available for the most serious cases, Ewings asked Londoners to be sensible with their alcohol consumption. He also reminded the public to use the 999 service wisely, calling only for genuine medical emergencies.

Ewings suggested alternatives for non-critical situations, such as consulting a GP, visiting a pharmacy, or using NHS 111 online for guidance. “Please consider other options if it’s urgent, but not life-threatening,” he added.