Police and ambulance crews team up to take care of drunken behaviour

Dec 22 2007 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

A NOVEL partnership between police and ambulance staff is hoped to deal quicker with people out partying this weekend and becoming the worse for wear.

Police are expecting this to be one of their busiest weekends for people out celebrating as Christmas holidays start early for many.

In Birkenhead, they have set up the joint initiative with North West Ambulance Service.

Sgt Simon Fitzpatrick, of Wirral’s community safety team, said: “It’s recognised as possibly the busiest night-time economy weekend of the year.

“It’s right that we provide as much opportunity for people to enjoy their time out and allow the emergency services to be able to respond quickly and effectively where necessary.”

He said the scheme should help free up ambulances and police to deal with other emergencies while the specialist unit focuses on alcohol-related problems.

But Sgt Fitzpatrick also warned police would be making sure those who cause trouble face having alcoholic drinks seized and on-the-spot fines.