Carson calls for Ambulance Crews to be Protected in Alcohol Emergency Incidents

Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson says efforts must continue to ensure local ambulance crews are not stretched by having to deal with alcohol related emergencies.

A Freedom of Information Request from the Scottish Conservatives has shown that the number of incidents has fallen in Dumfries and Galloway from 407 in 2015 to 210 in 2017.

However, with rural communities facing unique challenges, Mr Carson hopes that this downward trend will continue and crews will not be taken away from other calls while having to attend alcohol related emergencies.

Commenting Finlay Carson MSP said: “It is pleasing to see that there has been a drop of almost 200 alcohol related emergencies in Dumfries and Galloway over the last couple of years, but we must ensure this trend continues.

“For crews to still be dealing with over 200 alcohol emergencies is still far too high and will be having an effect on our hard working staff and other incidents taking place across this rural region.

“I hope that the SNP Government will ensure that the region is properly funded to deal with not only alcohol related emergencies, but all incidents in Dumfries and Galloway.

“Sadly there will always be alcohol related incidents but I want to ensure that this downward trend locally is continued.”