For when it all kicks off... Special ‘booze buses’ all set to tackle the World Cup casualties
Published: 11 June, 2010
by JAMIE WELHAM
A FLEET of special ambulances dubbed “booze buses” will be stationed across the West End to ease pressure on the emergency services during the World Cup.
Paramedics have warned of a dramatic surge in 999 calls over the next month as thousands of fans pour into the central London pubs to watch the big games.
Each of the three vehicles, officially known as “alternative response vehicles”, will be manned by a team of three paramedics at sites in Soho and Leicester Square.
The aim is to treat intoxicated drinkers where they are found or to take them to hospital accident and emergency departments together instead of sending for an ambulance. England games are a particular worry – during the crunch game against Portugal in the 2006 tournament, 999 calls in Westminster jumped by 40 per cent, and hospitals were swamped with alcohol-related admissions.
The buses will be on patrol on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as well as during and in the aftermath of every England match.
Under other measures, more paramedics will be put on standby and police numbers will be increased. Officers have been running checks on all premises showing the World Cup games as part of a pre-emptive plan to combat a potential wave of drunkenness.
London Ambulance Service operations manager for Westminster Philip Powell said: “We know that big football tournaments mean a busier time for the London Ambulance Service, and our control room and frontline staff are prepared for more 999 calls.
“Although people should go out and enjoy the football, I’d urge them not to drink too much, to eat before drinking and to have plenty of water or soft drinks. And if it’s hot and sunny remember to keep cool and use plenty of sunscreen.
“During the 2006 World Cup we were much more busy than normal here in Westminster and saw an increase in 999 calls mainly because people had had too much to drink, fainted or become dehydrated.”
Neil Acheson, police inspector in charge of licensing in Westminster, said: “We have drawn up a list of high-profile games where we believe a greater presence will be needed.
“While we are not really expecting trouble, the possibility of disorder definitely increases, especially if England lose.
“We have written to all venues showing games [about 300 in the West End alone], offering advice on how to minimise trouble. Simple things like not overcrowding venues, serving food, having enough staff, pointing screens away from the road. We will also have more officers and police licensing officers on the ground.”