Paramedic Dan Davis from hit BBC show Ambulance visits the University of Suffolk
Dan Davis of London Ambulance Service. - Credit: BBC/Dragonfly/Glenn Dearing
A top paramedic who starred in a BBC television show urged revellers to stay safe this party season during a visit to Ipswich.
Dan Davis and University of Suffolk Parmedic Science students on December 15, 2016. - Credit: University of Suffolk
Dan Davis, who featured in the fly-on-the-wall documentary Ambulance this year, gave a talk to student paramedics at the University of Suffolk today.
Dan Davis with students Charlotte and Adam. - Credit: University of Suffolk
It comes as this region’s ambulance service gears up for one of the busiest nights of the year tomorrow, dubbed Black Friday, when party-goers hit the town to celebrate Christmas.
This time last year the East of England Ambulance Service (EEAS) took 3,186 emergency calls.
Advanced paramedic practitioner Mr Davis said London Ambulance Service received up to 50 alcohol-related calls an hour on Black Friday.
“You can do a whole shift and do nothing but alcohol-related calls and it can be frustrating, sometimes funny, and often tragic,” he added.
“The common theme is people getting themselves in a situation where they need an ambulance as a result of overindulging on alcohol.
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“It can have a knock-on effect if ambulances are busy going to people who have drunk too much alcohol then they may not be available to help more seriously sick patients.”
Mr Davis - who went to the scene of a double shooting during the broadcast in September - spoke to Paramedic Science students at the university’s Ipswich campus, delivering a presentation and hosting a Q&A.
EEAS is running a 24-hour ‘Twitterthon’ tomorrow, highlighting the type and sheer volume of calls received this time of year.
Suffolk’s police and fire services back Mr Davis’s safety message
Don’t become a victim of crime this Christmas, a top officer has warned.
Chief inspector Jo Garrard, head of community safety at Suffolk Constabulary, said there was always an increase in crime during the festive period.
But she said the force was prepared, and had laid on extra patrolling officers and more staff in the control room to meet this demand.
She added: “When people drink too much they lose their inhibitions, people take more risks and people are more vulnerable to becoming victims of crime.
“We would urge people not to drink too much before the night begins, make sure you have something to eat before going out, drink water regularly and don’t be tempted to drink and drive. Really know your limits.”
Mrs Garrard reminded people to never walk home alone after a night out; don’t keep a mobile phone in your back pocket; take out an extra stash of money in case you lose your purse; and stay with friends.
Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service is also urging people to check their smoke alarm is working - and help elderly neighbours or family members to do the same.
