PAY-day drinking is causing a huge headache for paramedics in Lancashire, with alcohol-related incidents more than doubling on the last weekend of every month.

The North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) logged 47 specifically alcohol-related incidents on February 22, rising to 99 a week later on Saturday 28.

In reality, the numbers are likely to be much higher, as these represent only those with drink logged as the cause.

Jonathan Fox, of the Association of Professional Ambulance Personnel (APAP), said paramedics dreaded weekend shifts, as alcohol-related violence and abuse against them continued to increase.

He said: “Across the country, paramedics are being abused, at the very least verbally and often physically, every weekend, and that’s bound to be exacerbated at the end of the month, when most people have just been paid, and they feel that they can let their guard down.

“In tough times, they seem to be letting their guard down even further because they know they might not be able to afford it again that month, but it is us and the police who have to pick up the pieces.“ "Not everyone should be tarred with the same brush, but there are people who use drinking as an excuse for excess, violence and abuse.”

John Burnside, NWAS Chief Executive, added: “Many alcohol-related incidents can be avoided and frequently put an unnecessary strain on our crews. For this reason we ask that people take care of themselves and each other on a night out.”

Dr Ruth Hussey, regional director of Public Health for NHS North West, said: “Sticking to your limits means you are less likely to have an alcohol-related accident or injury on the night, but it protects you in the long term too, cutting your risk of developing alcohol related illnesses like cancer and liver cirrhosis.”