Have an enjoyable but safe Euro 2016, say ambulance chiefs

Have an enjoyable but safe Euro 2016

Ambulance chiefs are encouraging football fans to ‘stay safe’ this summer during this year’s European football tournament.

As passions run high in the build up to UEFA Euro 2016 - three British teams are set to compete - for the first time for almost 60 years.

Statistically, the home nation encounters attract more TV viewers and with temperatures set to soar during the competition many fans will be tempted to drink more alcohol than usual.

Back on 24 June, 2012, domestic accidents and incidents spiked during a game between England and Italy after England lost to 4-2 on penalties after having drawn 0-0 after extra time. Italian Alessandro Diamanti struck the decisive penalty blow for England in the quarter final draw and many fans were unhappy.

The Trust later revealed a spike in domestic incidents following the knockout defeat. During the World Cup in June, 2010, 77 ambulances attended patients in their own home for reported incidents of domestic violence following England’s 4-1 defeat to Germany.

The first domestic encounter between England versus Wales kicks off at 2pm in Stade Bollaerd-Delelis in Lens, France, on Thursday, 16 June.

Ged Blezard, Interim Operations Director, for North West Ambulance Service, said: “This match has the potential to attract a lot of TV viewers and with the earlier kick off time it gives fans more time to drink during the hotter hours of the day. This can lead to dehydration and the effects of alcohol can become more apparent.

“We would like everyone to enjoy the football and not ending up drinking too much and ruining the occasion for family members. We have seen from past episodes that domestic violence incidents spike during the more competitive football matches and this is a very worrying trend.

“We are urging all football fans to stay safe and to drink soft beverages and not just beer and other alcohol. This can help to avoid becoming dehydrated and drunk - too much alcohol often ends up in disaster with incidents of domestic violence which must be avoided at all costs. Everyone, please stay safe.”

Members of the public are encouraged to use their local pharmacy to cure minor ailments or see their GP for non-emergency presentations.

Only call for an ambulance if you think you are experiencing a life threatening or potentially life threatening emergency.

Anyone with concerns regarding domestic violence should call the 24 hour Freephone number Refuge: Women’s Aid - telephone 0808 2000 247.

In an emergency please call the Police by dialing 999.