FIGURES show that ambulance crews received nearly 9,500 calls last New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The statistics came from a Freedom of Information Request by the Lancashire Telegraph for the number of calls to the North West Ambulance Service on December 31 and January 1 in 2019-20, 2018-19, 2017-18, 2016-17 and 2015-16.

2018 saw the highest number of calls with 9,941, last year is ranked second in the past five years with 9,408.

There were 8,130 in 2017, 7,535 in 2016, 7,880 in 2015.

The first three hours of 2020 saw the most calls for ambulance crews compared to the statistics for the previous five years.

Between midnight and 1am 317, 1am to 2am 372 and 2am to 3am 361 callers needed assistance from ambulance crews making a total of 1,050.

The next highest figure was in 2019 when there were 1,001 calls in the early hours.

An ambulance service spokesperson said: “New Year’s Eve is traditionally one of the busiest nights of the year for the ambulance service.

“Whilst things are very different this year, we are still expecting it to be busy. We are well prepared for winter and now have over 400 ambulances on the road and increased staff numbers in our emergency operations and 111 centres.

“If you do need us please bear with us. Calls are prioritised based on the patient’s condition. If it’s not a time critical emergency that needs immediate intervention and/or resuscitation, it is highly likely that you will have a longer wait for a response.

“Have fun, follow the latest government advice in your area and see the New Year in safely in your own household or support bubble.

“We urge people to make the right call all year round and only dial 999 for life-threatening or potentially life-threatening emergencies. If you’re unsure or need medical advice, go to 111.nhs.uk.”