Paramedics had to treat more drunk people in Westminster than in any other London borough in 2016, the London Ambulance Service has revealed.

The service dealt with 4,480 intoxicated people in the London borough last year, with more people in the capital getting drunk in August than during the December party season.

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) published which London boroughs had the highest number of alcohol-related incidents as part of its #NotAnAmbulance campaign.

Figures show more than 6,650 people were treated by ambulance crews after drinking too much last August (2016) – compared to less than 6,000 in December (2016).

In Westminster, there were a total of 400 alcohol-related incidents in August 2016, and more than 4,830 recorded incidents throughout the year.

Street drinker passed out on the pavement

Assistant director of operations, Peter Rhodes said: “These figures just underline the significant impact alcohol-related incidents have not just on these boroughs, but across the whole of the capital.

“It is no longer a weekend phenomenon as our crews have to respond to alcohol-related calls every day of the week, taking resources away from those who need us most.

“There is then an impact on operations in each of these boroughs as ambulances are taken off the road to be cleaned and disinfected.

"While we are treating patients who have had too much to drink – others, who are potentially seriously ill or injured could be waiting for our help.



“A lot of the alcohol-related incidents we respond to don’t need an ambulance – they need a friend to take responsibility to get them home safely and look after them.”

Camden came in second place with 3,427 incidents recorded throughout the year while Lambeth came third with 3,419 reported incident .

A video has been released by the LAS as part of the campaign, which encourages people to look after their friends if they have drunk too much.

Medical director, Dr Fenella Wrigley, said: “Drinking too much puts people in a vulnerable situation.

"If you cannot look after yourself you risk injury by falling or being less aware of traffic and other hazards.

"You also risk losing your phone and keys, leaving you stranded on the streets.

London Ambulance launch new campaign after high levels of drinking in the capital

“Many people who have drunk too much end up in arguments and tussles with others – something which, when sober, they would never be involved in.

"We’re asking people to drink responsibly and if their friends do drink too much and need help, look after them so they don’t end up alone, vulnerable and in need of an ambulance.”

Dr Wrigley added: “A lot of the people our control room and ambulance crews respond to on Friday and Saturday nights don’t need an ambulance – they need a friend to take responsibility to get them home safely and look after them.

“While we’re treating patients who have had too much to drink – others, who are potentially seriously ill or injured could be waiting for help.

“Our message is simple – look after your friends, and make sure they get home safely, rather than ending their night in the back of an ambulance.”

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