World cup dangers!

Perhaps forgotten amongst fears of crime and violence against visiting fans in South Africa is the fact that there is likely to be a dramatic increase in calls to the ambulance service here at home on England match days.

So says the NWAS (North West Ambulance Service) who reveal today that when England played in 2006, the ambulance service received up to 17% more calls on weekend match days.

Research by the North West Trauma and Injury Intelligence Group published this week also found that attendances at hospital emergency departments in the North West region rose by a third on England match days during the last tournament.

Derek Cartwright, Director of Emergency Services at NWAS said: "Looking back at the last World Cup allows us to make predictions for this year.

"The combination of expectations and emotions, hot weather and alcohol consumption is likely to result in more 999 calls for domestic violence and assaults, dehydration and other related conditions."

In preparation for the matches, NWAS plans to increase the number of ambulances, managers and control room staff to work on England match days to handle the predicted increase in calls.

Derek Cartwright adds a useful expert tip: ""It is also important to remember hangovers, headaches and feeling under the weather after a night out can generally be treated in your own home using medicine from your local pharmacist and getting plenty of rest."

Finally, NWAS suggests for health advice you should call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

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