Party season warning issued by ambulance service (From Cotswold Journal)

Party season warning issued by ambulance service

8:10am Saturday 18th December 2010 in News

WITH the Christmas party season in full swing, Great Western Ambulance Service (GWAS) is urging revellers to take care on their night out.

The service, which covers Gloucestershire, says that the return of freezing weather will only add to the problems.

GWAS Medical Director Dr Ossie Rawstorne said: “We want people to enjoy their Christmas party, but a combination of alcohol and sub-zero night-time temperatures all too often leave them needing our help. Excess alcohol and hypothermia on their own can cause problems – together they can be extremely dangerous.

“Then you add water to the mix – every year we attend a handful of people who have fallen in rivers, docks and streams – and the icy temperature of the water can quickly turn an incident into something potentially lethal.”

GWAS’ top tips to stay safe during the party season include: having something to eat before going out; plan your homeward journey and pre-book taxis or ask family and friends who are not drinking to drive; and hydrate yourself with water.