Paramedics are urging football fans to celebrate responsibly as England prepares to face Panama in the final group game of the World Cup on Saturday, June 27. The match, which sees Panama already eliminated after a narrow 1-0 loss to Croatia, is expected to be heavily in England's favour. However, senior paramedics at London Ambulance Service warn that the combination of a major international match on a weekend amid extreme hot temperatures creates a triple whammy of factors known to increase medical emergencies and 999 calls.
Three Key Precautions for Fans
Director of Ambulance Operations Darren Farmer said: “You want to end your night winning and not in the back of an ambulance.” Fans planning to drink alcohol during the match have been urged to drink responsibly, pace themselves, and stay hydrated. Farmer noted that the draw against Ghana coincided with a bigger increase in demand than the win against Croatia, highlighting the unpredictable nature of call volumes.
Impact on Ambulance Services
London Ambulance Service warned that every avoidable call stretches the service, putting unnecessary pressure on crews and potentially causing delays for seriously ill or injured patients. During the last Three Lions match against Ghana, the service noted a striking 50% rise in 999 calls for alcohol-related assaults. Drugs and alcohol are a factor in around 40% of violent incidents, and ambulance crews risk abuse when alcohol consumption increases.
Farmer added: “When cheering on England, please respect the ambulance workers and call handlers that are on the frontline, working tirelessly to save lives. We do not tolerate violence, threats or harassment towards our staff and will pursue prosecutions against those who harm us.”
Alternative Medical Advice
Ambulance crews have already had a busy week with extreme temperatures in the capital. Crews will be ready to respond throughout the tournament but urged Londoners to use NHS services appropriately, including NHS 111 online, local pharmacies, or GPs for non-emergency advice. For serious illness, injury, or risk to life, people should call 999.
