Harrow’s Clinical Commissioning Group is backing the London Ambulance Service’s alcohol awareness campaign this Christmas.

The social media led campaign highlights the impact of alcohol-related calls on other ill and injure patients across the city.

Harrow Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is a GP-led organisation responsible for planning and buying the health services needed by the people of Harrow. 

Alcohol-related calls are the most common need for an ambulance among 21-30 year olds across London and the service responds to over 66,000 alcohol-related incidents each year.

The campaign also shows how people who have drunk so much they are collapsed and unconscious can ‘top’ other patients as paramedics treat them, leaving others to wait longer.

In December last year, the London Ambulance Service responded to over 6,000 alcohol-related incidents and 94 of the alcohol-related calls were made in Harrow.

Dr Fenella Wrigley, Medical Director at London Ambulance Service said: “Every ambulance crew responding to someone who has simply had too much to drink, is an ambulance crew not responding to an ill or injured person who needs them.

“Patients reported to be collapsed and unconscious trigger the fastest ambulance response. It’s not possible to tell over the phone whether they have a serious illness or injury, or have simply had too much to drink, so we have to prioritise them immediately.

“Meanwhile, other patients such as a child with a broken arm, an uninjured elderly faller or someone involved in a road traffic collision will wait longer for an ambulance”

The service will be providing tips and advice on social media throughout December.

For more information, visit their website or follow the campaign on social media #NotAGame.