More 999 alcohol calls in August than at Christmas

Almost 10,000 alcohol-related emergency calls to the London Ambulance Service (LAS) were made last summer, with paramedics urging people to drink sensibly.

The service said it received more emergency calls in June, July and August individually, than it did in December during the Christmas party season.

And May and June this year have seen greater numbers for alcohol-related calls than in the previous two years, LAS said.

The service's Mark Faulkner said: "We are asking people to look after themselves and their friends. Every avoidable alcohol-related call we attend could take away from someone who might have a life-threatening condition."

Between June and August in London last year, LAS attended more than 9,700 alcohol-related calls and over 4,700 drug overdoses.

By comparison, in December 2024 it received more than 2,600 alcohol-related calls and 1,100 drug-related calls.

Mr Faulkner said: "We understand Londoners want to go out and have fun in the height of summer – particularly with the wealth of music festivals and outdoor events that London offers.

"August brings more alcohol-related calls than the Christmas party season so if you are enjoying the festival season, please drink sensibly.

"If you suspect that a friend is having a drug overdose, there are steps you can take to help to us them. This includes calling 999, telling us what they've taken and following the instructions of the 999 call-handler.

"There is no such thing as a reliable drug dealer. You do not know what you are taking and what it might have been mixed with. Even if you have taken the substance before, this does not mean it is safe."

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