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Camden News - by RICHARD OSLEY
Published: 26 June 2008

PARAMEDICS WILL SCOOP UP DRUNKS

Ambulance on patrol as late-night drinkers flood streets

A SPECIAL patrol of paramedics will treat drunken revellers in the streets of Camden Town in a bid to relieve pressure on hospitals.
The pilot scheme to station a specific ambulance team in the area comes amid concerns there are too many alcohol-related admissions to Accident and Emergency from the area on Friday and Saturday nights.
Under the plans being developed by Camden’s Primary Care Trust and the LondonAmbulance Service, a team of paramedics in an ambulance will be based in the streets around Camden Town Tube station. They will be looking for drinkers who “appear to be intoxicated by alcohol”.
The aim is to treat them before they have to be taken to hospital accident and emergency departments, easing the pressure on the Royal Free and University College hospitals at peak times. The scheme is due to be operating by August, although the specific hours of cover are still being worked out.
Liberal Democrat ward councillor Libby Campbell said: “It’s got a lot better down there but it can still be a carnival on Friday
and Saturday nights. In an ideal world, you wouldn’t get people getting so drunk and having fights but you have to confront the problem. I can see the rationale because it is a very busy night-time economy.”
Concern was voiced last night (Wednesday) that the presence of a team of paramedics could send out the wrong message about an area celebrated for its night-life. Labour ward councillor Pat Callaghan said: “Camden Town is a very vibrant area and, OK, you do get some things happening at the weekend but I would be careful not to make out there was some return to the Wild West down there.”
Businesses pointed out that only a small proportion of drinkers in the bars and clubs were so drunk they needed medical attention. Simon Pitkeathley, chief executive of Camden Town Unlimited, which represents businesses, said: “My impression is that it’s not as bad as people think it is. There is a danger that this makes it look a lot worse.”
Superintendent Paul Morris said: “We are fully supportive of any additional services which provide reassurance and assistance when most needed. Over the past year there has been a 38 per cent reduction in alcohol-related violence attributable to licensed premises.”
The PCT said the paramedics will “attend to and treat those who appear intoxicated”.

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