North East Ambulance Service issues advice head of the New Year celebrations

The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is looking to reduce the pressure on healthcare services by asking members of the public to be responsible when celebrating the New Year.

Temperatures across the region are set to fall significantly, with the Met Office issuing a cold health alert.

The alert will be in place until 12pm on January 5 and highlights the increased risk that cold weather poses to vulnerable members of our communities.

Stuart Holliday, Head of emergency, preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) at NEAS, said: “This time of year can be challenging for a lot of people, but support is available.

“We want everyone to enjoy ringing in the New Year but we also urge the public to please think before picking up the phone to 999 or 111 and think about other services first including 111 online, urgent treatment centres, mental health services, pharmacies and GP when they are open.”

This New Year’s Eve, members of the public are encouraged to:

• Celebrate responsibly and know your limits.
• Stay with friends and avoid walking home alone.
• Remember your phones, keys and have plans to get home.
• Don’t drive and drive.
• Avoid risky behaviour/confrontations.
• Call NHS 11 for non-life threatening issues.
• Make sure medicine cabinets are stocked.
• Access mental health support if you’re struggling.
• Check in on friends, family and your neighbours.
• Call 999 in the event of a life-threatening emergency.

Stuart added: “We would always advise someone who thinks their condition is life threatening to call us but please think before you pick up the phone - do you really need an ambulance or is there another way of you getting help?

“We also ask that anyone waiting for an ambulance please only call back if their condition worsens or to cancel if it is no longer required.

“Delays can bring harm to patients so it’s important that we take every measure we can to reduce them.

“During this period, it is especially important for everyone to take extra care, check in on friends, family, and neighbours, and ensure that homes are kept warm and well-stocked with essential supplies.

“Please ensure your medicine cabinet is stocked up with any regular medication you require as well as essentials like a first aid kit, thermometer, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines and plasters.

“Anyone needing urgent mental health support should ring 111 press 2.

“There is a wide range of confidential, trusted mental health support available including texting services, wellbeing hubs and much more.”

NEAS has confirmed that the Safe Haven van, in partnership with Northumbria Police, will be in operation in Newcastle city centre during the New Year weekend.

There will also be the alcohol reception centre at the Bigg Market.