EMERGENCY services across Gwent are bracing themselves for one of the busiest nights of the year as the festive party season moves into full swing.

Tomorrow, also called Black Friday or Mad Friday, is the last Friday before Christmas, which has become a popular night for office parties.

It has gained a reputation as one of the busiest nights of the year for restaurants, bars, pubs – and the emergency services.

The Welsh Ambulance Service Trust says it took 800 calls across Wales on this date last year, compared to 734 calls on the same evening, 4pm to 3.59am, in 2013.

The service receives roughly 630 calls on a typical Friday night.

Gordon Roberts, the Trust’s interim assistant director of operations, said: “It’s easy to forget how much alcohol you have consumed when you’re enjoying yourself, but while we are dealing with alcohol-related incidents, we could be delayed in treating someone whose situation really is life or death."

The trust is planning to put on extra resources across Wales, while Gwent Police are also planning ahead for a busy night.

A spokeswoman for Aneurin Bevan Health Board added that they are prepared for a busy period and working closely with other services.

Gwent Police inspector for Newport city centre, Richie Blakemore, said: “We’ll be working hard with partner agencies and increasing officer numbers in the city centre to reduce alcohol-fuelled disorder, but we would also urge visitors to think about their own safety by being aware of their actions and how much they’re drinking.”

Other steps Gwent Police are taking to improve safety during the festive season include increasing the levels of police officers patrolling the city centre, and remaining in constant communication with door staff, CCTV operators, street pastors and taxi marshals to ensure officers are in the right place at the right time.

South Wales Fire and Rescue Service are also reminding people to stay safe.

Head of service delivery, ACFO Andrew Thomas reminded people to not drive after a drink.

He added: “We also know that cooking and drinking don’t mix and that ordering a takeaway to finish off your night is a safer choice.”

St John Wales volunteers are setting up triage operations in Newport.

Rhodri Jones, senior commissioner for St John Wales said: “Our volunteers are deployed to busy areas to provide first aid at key locations. This reduces the number of minor injuries that require visits to emergency units which in turn reduces the burden on the NHS and ensures that other resources are released to deal with incidents elsewhere in the wider community.”