North East Ambulance Service urges the public to stay safe and celebrate responsibly ahead of Black Eye Friday
The festive season is in full swing, therefore North East Ambulance Service and NHS partners are preparing for one of the busiest nights of the year - "Black Eye Friday."
Traditionally falling on the Friday before Christmas, this night sees a sharp rise in alcohol-related injuries and assaults, placing significant pressure on emergency services.
Last year, North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) received over 4,300 calls to 111 and 999 and attended over 1,200 incidents on Black Eye Friday and the NHS is expecting another busy period of increased demand across the festive period.
Head of emergency, preparedness, resilience and response (EPRR) at North East Ambulance Service, Stu Holliday said: “When someone needs our service, we want to have the right resources available to respond. Delays can bring harm to patients so it’s important that we take every measure we can to reduce them.
“Winter is always busy for health services but particularly over the festive period like Black Eye Friday. The public can help us protect the services for those who need it the most.
“We want everyone to have a good time, but don’t ruin your fun by ending up in the back of an ambulance.
“Look after each other and make sure you stay safe and have plans to get home.
"Please remember to use 999 and A&E for emergencies only.
“And if it’s not an emergency, please always consult 111 online first. If you do think you need to go to hospital, consider whether you're able to make your own way there, if it safe to do so.”
To help reduce strain on emergency services, the public is encouraged to:
- Celebrate responsibly and know your limits
- Stay with friends and avoid walking home alone
- Remember your keys, phone and have plans to get home.
- Don’t drink and drive
- Avoid risky behaviour and confrontations
- Use NHS 111 for non-life-threatening issues
Stu added: “Finally, please respect our staff and NHS colleagues, they are working hard and strive to give the best care, sometimes in very challenging circumstances.”
Dr Neil O’Brien, local GP and chief medical officer for the NHS North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB) said: “This time of year is traditionally the busiest time for our NHS and emergency services, and this year will be combined with the fact that many of our resident doctors in hospitals are taking part in strike action - so services will be very stretched.
"It's so important that we make sure that our hospitals and 999 services are kept free to look after those who really do need emergency care.
"Avoidable incidents at this time of year, often linked to drinking too much, put a major strain on all health services.
“If you are unwell, then it is vital that you seek medical help if you need it but think carefully about which service you choose. Emergency departments and 999 are only there to treat the most serious and life-threatening conditions, so please think about whether your local pharmacy or NHS 111 online can help.
"Enjoy the festivities, but please stay safe and remember to limit your drinking – as you don’t want to spend your Christmas in A&E!"
Additional resources including the Safe Haven van in partnership with Northumbria Police will also be in operation in Newcastle City Centre during these busy periods as well as Medicar in Cleveland which is supported by Cleveland Police.
During this week, resident doctors from British Medical Association (BMA) in England are set to strike from 7am on December 17 until 7am on December 22, 2025.
Due to this period of industrial action, patients may experience some delays to our service. As a result, we are asking that you only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency and consider utilising other NHS services such as 111 online in non-emergencies.
Susan Taylor, Head of Alcohol Policy for Balance, said: “Paramedics, police, A&E doctors and nurses are already working flat out with winter pressures and have to deal with the inevitable impacts of alcohol, when people might be drinking a couple of weeks’ worth of alcohol in one night, often pre-loading with cheap, shop-bought alcohol.
“The risks from alcohol are not just around a drunken night gone wrong. Alcohol is a cause of cancer, liver disease and cardiovascular disease. Nearly one million people in England are admitted to hospital with illnesses caused by alcohol every year.
“The North East is facing some of the highest rates of harm, and along with alcohol-related disorder and violence, this creates extra pressure on already stretched emergency crews on our streets and in our hospitals.
“8/10 people in the North East see alcohol as a problem both regionally and nationally. While some will blame individuals drinking too much, we need to remember that alcohol can be an addiction which many people struggle with, and people are surrounded by pressures to buy alcohol and to drink, especially at Christmas. The impact on our own health and the region takes a huge toll.”