As the group stages of the World Cup come to an end and the knockout stages loom large, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service is issuing some timely advice to those who are making the most of the current hot spell to enjoy the matches beamed live from South Africa.

As the excitement grows throughout the games, spectators tend to be unaware of how much they are actually drinking. Consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, in the temperatures that we are enjoying at the minute, without eating or taking soft drinks can lead to getting drunk too quickly, becoming dehydrated or passing out.

The message therefore is simple – drink sensibly and enjoy yourself.

Do not let yourself become involved in incidents of violence, either as a victim or as an aggressor. Such behaviour often results in an ambulance being called to pick up the pieces when, really, our staff should be available to respond to life threatening calls which need an immediate response.

There has also been a recent increase in assaults on ambulance staff. Many of these attacks are as a result of too much alcohol being consumed and casualties being unable, or being unwilling, to recognise that ambulance staff are actually there to give help. We would therefore ask anyone who is near an alcohol related incident being attended by ambulance crews to help them do their job by ensuring that they are free from the threat of, or actual, violence.

Links between major sporting events and excessive drinking are well established. At these times, alcohol-related calls to the ambulance service increase. Many of these are minor injuries which do not really require ambulance attendance.

Please only call 999 for an ambulance in a medical emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury and needs time-critical help.

For advice and treatment for non-emergencies and less serious conditions consider options such as a visit to your local pharmacist or GP surgery.