Paramedics were called out to just under 14,000 incidents involving alcohol-related illnesses or injuries in the last three years in NHS regions Fife, Forth Valley and Tayside.
Mid-Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser has described these figures as a startling reminder of our toxic relationship with alcohol and has raised concerns over the safety of health service staff whilst dealing with intoxicated patients.
Last year paramedics were called out to over 12 alcohol related incidents every day in Fife, Forth Valley and Tayside.
Commenting Murdo Fraser MSP said:
“These figures underline just how dangerous our relationship with alcohol is. The Scottish Government must work harder on tackling the root cause of alcohol dependency and that means better education for youngsters.
“To have nearly 14,000 call outs alone in Mid-Scotland and Fife is staggering and underlines the strain alcohol is putting our health professionals under. Healthcare services are already at tipping point and the Scottish Government must ensure that all healthcare professionals feel safe in their work and that includes when dealing with drunken patients.
“At the weekend A and E departments across Mid-Scotland and Fife are full of patients suffering the side effects of alcohol intoxication the Scottish Government must evaluate their current measures to ensure that future generations are not lost to drink.”