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Ambulance chiefs have renewed calls for Londoners to go easy on the alcohol on New Year’s Eve, with paramedics readying themselves for hundreds of alcohol-related calls.

Last year 662 party-goers in the capital became so ill after drinking that they or their friends had to phone 999.

London Ambulance Service is again running two “booze buses” in central London to handle the lion’s share of the alcohol-related emergencies.

But bosses hope to crack down on the number falling ill by sending out text message reminders at key points throughout the evening.

The service’s assistant director of operations Pauline Cranmer said: “It will be an extremely busy night for us across the capital with our call takers answering hundreds more emergency calls than usual and our medics out in teams on the streets.

“Many of the people we’re called to on New Year’s Eve have injured themselves or become unwell because they’ve had too much to drink.

“This puts additional strain on us and means our ambulances may not be available for those in life-threatening conditions.”

The nine St John Ambulance treatment centres on New Year's Eve Whitehall Court Westminster Abbey – The Sanctuary Rupert Street Embankment station Casualty reception point: St Martin in the Fields The Mall – north side in Horse Walk, to the west of the Duke of York Steps Waterloo station, Cab Road Belvedere Road Temple Place

Volunteer medics from St John Ambulance will also be running nine emergency centres nearby the celebrations around the South Bank and the Houses of Parliament, where crowds will make it difficult for a full-size ambulance to drive.

Ms Cranmer added: “Our New Year’s message to Londoners is enjoy the celebrations but please eat before you go out, drink responsibly, and plan your journey home.

“We also urge people to think before calling for an ambulance and where possible consider using other services such as NHS 111, a pharmacy, or walk-in centre.”

Londoners can send a Whatsapp message saying “I’m in” to 07899 782 640, and in return will receive reminders to keep hydrated, eat and check on their friends throughout the evening.