Ambulance staff in the United Kingdom have issued pleas for fans to drink responsibly during upcoming football matches, citing a significant increase in emergency calls and alcohol-related incidents following England's recent game against Ghana. The London Ambulance Service reported a 50% surge in 999 calls and a rise in assaults after the match, which ended in a draw.
Darren Farmer, Director of Ambulance Operations, highlighted that major international tournaments, particularly when combined with warm weather and weekends, often lead to a spike in emergency service demand. "We know from experience that a combination of excitement, tension, alcohol and warm weather can lead to avoidable ambulance callouts," Farmer stated. He urged fans to "drink responsibly, pace yourself and stay hydrated," adding that "you want to end your night winning and not in the back of an ambulance."
Beyond the direct impact of alcohol consumption, ambulance crews also face abuse and violence from intoxicated individuals. Farmer emphasized the importance of respecting frontline staff, stating, "We do not tolerate violence, threats or harassment towards our staff and will pursue prosecutions against those who harm us."
Officials reminded the public to utilize alternative medical advice channels for non-emergencies, such as NHS 111 online, local pharmacies, or GPs, reserving 999 calls for life-threatening situations. Each avoidable call places additional strain on ambulance services and can delay responses to critical patients.
The current heatwave, with temperatures reaching 36C in parts of the UK, has further exacerbated pressure on health services. Numerous trusts have declared critical incidents, with some reporting malfunctions of vital diagnostic and life-saving equipment due to the extreme heat. This heatwave has also led to a rise in A&E visits, particularly among elderly patients struggling to cope with the high temperatures.
Across Europe, the intense heat has also strained health systems. France has reported a fourfold increase in emergency room visits related to heat exposure and a surge in cardiac arrests. In response to overwhelmed hospitals, authorities in Paris implemented a ban on evening alcohol sales and public consumption, effective from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning. Takeaway alcohol sales were also restricted during these periods, though bars and restaurants remain exempt. Paris police chief Patrice Faure described the hospital facilities as reaching "a saturation point."
The record-breaking heat has affected multiple European countries, with the Netherlands issuing its first-ever red alert and Germany cancelling outdoor events and advising against travel due to anticipated temperatures nearing 40C.