Party-goers are being urged to avoid ending their night out in the back of an ambulance ahead of one of the busiest nights of the year for emergency services.

As 999 calls into the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) rise by more than 10% compared to 2013, it is giving advice on how to enjoy the festivities safely.

It includes watching alcohol intake and avoiding the consequences of ‘overdoing it’, especially whilst celebrating the last Friday night before Christmas, traditionally known as Black Friday.

Director of Clinical Quality for EEAST, Tracy Nicholls, said: “We certainly don’t want to dampen the Christmas spirit, we want people to enjoy and remember their night out; no-one wants their party to end in the back of an ambulance.

“Before heading out, ensure you have eaten properly or at least a good snack if you’re out for dinner. Never be tempted to drink and drive, and designate a driver at the start of the night who isn’t drinking, or ensure you have transport booked to get you home.

“Stay close to the people you’re out with, don’t let them wander off by themselves, and ensure you’re wrapped up warm with the cold weather.”

The advice comes as the service revealed it made 16,465 responses to patients between 8th-14th December, an increase of 11% on same week last year. On Saturday alone, it responded to nearly 3,000 patients when the average call out per day is about 2,300.

Tracy added: “Our message is quite simply for people to know their limits. More ambulances will then be available to attend life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrests, a heart attack or a stroke, and people the most at risk such as the elderly.”

The ambulance service will be working with voluntary organisations and the police in city centres across the region to provide immediate care to people who are suffering from excess alcohol, or those who have sustained a minor injury during the night.