The region’s ambulance service is urging football fans in Bradford to drink responsibly during the 2012 European football championships.

Bosses at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust have issued the plea in a bid to tackle alcohol-related emergencies.

Dr Dave Macklin, associate medical director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service, said there was a link between major sporting occasions and heavy drinking which results in an increase in medical emergencies related to alcohol. He said: “It’s easy to forget how much alcohol you have consumed when you are enjoying yourself and people don’t always stop to consider the consequences of their actions.

“But people should remember that while we are dealing with someone who is ill or injured because they have consumed an excessive amount of alcohol, it may delay us providing life-saving treatment to someone suffering from a heart attack or stroke.”

The service also warns that the associated risks of heavy drinking can also lead to a rise in assaults, including those against ambulance staff, and incidents involving domestic violence.

Dr Macklin added: “We want to make sure that the European Football Championship is one people will remember for all the right reasons and that our highly-trained ambulance staff are available for the people who really need them.

“So, please act responsibly and enjoy the competition in the spirit such a great sporting event is all about.”