Euro 2024: Ambulance service issues plea to help it manage demand
SECAmb sees an increase in calls after the final whistle of key football matches
Last updated 14th Jun 2024
The ambulance service for Kent and Sussex is urging us to help it manage demand during Euro 2024.
South East Coast Ambulance Service said it often sees an increase in calls after the final whistle of key international football matches.
People are being urged to enjoy the championships sensibly.
England kick off their campaign against Serbia at 8.00pm on Sunday.
At the last Euros in 2020, South East Coast Ambulance Service received around 50 per cent more 999 calls in the hour after England’s semi-final victory than in the previous hour.
During the game there was a dip in demand but in the hour after the final whistle, 999 control room staff answered 150 calls.
SECAmb executive director of operations, Emma Williams, said: "We know that many people will be looking forward to the Euros.
"We also know that significant football matches can have an impact on the demand we face with often an immediate uplift in calls at the final whistle.
"Anyone who is facing a genuine emergency shouldn’t hesitate to call us but we know that many people who choose to call us after a game has finished could get help and advice from a more appropriate service such as NHS 111.
"We appreciate that many people will choose to watch the match at the pub or at home with friends.
"If people choose to drink alcohol while watching then, as ever, we urge them to be sensible and look after themselves and others to lessen the likelihood of having to call for our help.
"Just a few avoidable calls in an area can significantly impact on our ability to respond to other local emergencies quickly."