Ambulance service receives nearly 3,500 emergency calls on New year’s Day

East Midlands Ambulance Service received nearly 3,500 calls on New Year’s Day - a significant increase on the daily average.
NARG 141204AM1 Ambulance (141204AM)NARG 141204AM1 Ambulance (141204AM)
NARG 141204AM1 Ambulance (141204AM)

In total 3.470 emergency calls were handled, with the daily average around the 2,000 mark.

The East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust said that the top reasons for calls was referrals from the National Health Service 111 number, breathing problems and falls. Over 900 calls came from people within Nottinghamshire.

A spokesman said: “By 3pm we had received over 2,200 emergency, urgent and NHS 111 referral calls since the start of 2015.”

“New Year’s Day saw us receive over 3,470 emergency and urgent calls. This was a massive increase on the normal daily average of 2,000 calls. In the two hours after midnight, we were taking a new call every 22 seconds. Once again, our frontline crews did a fantastic job in very challenging circumstances and our thanks go to them for their dedication.”

The busiest hour on New Year’s Day was between 1am and 2am with over 220 calls received - a 213 per cent increase compared to the same time on New Year’s Eve.

People with minor illnesses and injuries should refrain from visiting hospital. Pharmacists can offer advice on the right way to treat a variety of common conditions using over-the-counter medicines. The 111 service can also offer help and advice.

“Massive thank you to all colleagues, volunteers and other healthcare and emergency services for your support over Christmas and New Year,” a spokesman added on Twitter.