High emergency call volume on Hogmanay

The Scottish Ambulance Service has dealt with a high number of calls over Hogmanay, with its Control Centres receiving 2547 calls between 7pm on 31st December and 7am on 1st January.  

This is an increase of 2.7% compared to the same period last year.

Additional call handlers, dispatchers, ambulance crews and support staff were on duty to deal with the high levels of demand that always make Hogmanay one of the busiest nights of the year.

Pauline Howie, Chief Executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service said:

“Our frontline staff have coped with an exceptionally busy period over Hogmanay. It was a real challenge this year, as it has been over the whole festive period, but day in, day out our staff  have constantly risen to the challenges and have shown real dedication.

 “They have all done a great job and have helped us continue to deliver the highest possible level of care to patients across Scotland.

"I would like to thank all our fantastic staff for their hard work in 2019 caring for patients and saving lives and I wish them a very happy New Year."