Busy start to 2014 for West Midlands Ambulance Service
West Midlands Ambulance Service had a busy start to 2014 with an average of four 999 calls every minute.
A large proportion of them were alcohol-related and included assaults, overdoses, road traffic collisions and falls.
Between 8.00pm New Year’s Eve and 5.00am New Year’s Day, the Trust responded to 1,875 999 calls with 102 calls made to the service from Shropshire. The service received a peak in calls between 1.00am and 2.00am.
West Midlands Ambulance Service Chief Executive Anthony Marsh said: “It’s thanks to the meticulous planning, hard work and dedication of staff on New Year’s Eve that we’re able to continue to provide patients in the West Midlands with high level care when they need it the most.
“New Year’s Eve is traditionally the busiest night of the year for the ambulance service. This year has been no exception and I am immensely proud of the way the Service has dealt with the surge in 999 calls. Thank you to my staff and the many volunteers who have given up their night to ensure the safety of everyone in the West Midlands. I would like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2014.”
