The bloodiest night of the year is coming: services are ready to react even under strict restrictions

According to statistics provided by the General Assistance Center (BPC), on December 24, both during the day and on Christmas Eve, there are fewer calls, and during St. Christmas calls are on the rise, with most arriving on the second day, December 26.

“It just came to our attention then. The number of fire and rescue service events and environmental competition do not differ, it is similar to other days,” commented BPC spokesperson Vilma Juozevičiūtė.

However, the representative is more concerned with the first day of the New Year, which is always very different in the general context. According to her, on January 1. There is an increased need for a fire and rescue service.

“And it is no coincidence that by celebrating the consent of the newcomers, setting off fireworks, various disasters occur each year and many fires occur. Dumpsters burn especially frequently. Apparently from the firecrackers or the fireworks thrown there. “

According to V. Juozevičiūtė, the first day of the New Year, or more precisely, its first hours, is always characterized by a large number of recorded calls and messages.

“It just came to our attention then. On New Year’s Eve, there are many violent crimes, conflicts, as well as tragic and regrettable incidents that require urgent medical attention. Perhaps somewhat paradoxical, but each measure receives many complaints about fireworks.

Older people often begin to resent when they hear thunder of fireworks and firecrackers at midnight. In such cases, our operators try to reassure them, to ask them for a little patience; after all, it’s an exceptional holiday night, ”he said of the strange calls for help.

However, he said, and entertaining, residents who leave fireworks should not forget, shoot for hours and follow all safety requirements.

“Comparing the last few years, it would be difficult to see trends. Here, for example, in 2017. January 1 12049 calls were registered, 4907 requests for assistance. 2018 January 1 there were fewer calls: 10490 were registered and 4432 messages were prepared and transmitted.

2019 January 1 in 2020 there were similar numbers: 10,313 calls, 4367 messages and in 2020. January 1 the numbers increased again, with 10,771 calls and 5,261 notifications “.

The specialist was asked to explain why the number of calls and the number of requests for help differed so much, commenting that it was sad, but there were many disturbing calls when drunk people called.

“On New Year’s Eve, we get calls from people who want to congratulate our officers, recite a poem or gift them a song …

There are also recurring calls for the same event. As a result, the number of messages prepared and transmitted is much lower and less than half the total number of registered calls, ”he explained.

The quarantine has led to an increase in domestic violence

Experts warn that quarantine and isolation have significant consequences for the scale of domestic violence: being with the family at all times is a source of tension and certainly affects behavior change for both the perpetrator and the victim.

According to police, the number of domestic violence calls increased by about 20 percent during the first quarantine in the spring. At a press conference held at the Vilnius checkpoint, Police Chief Renatas Požela commented that the same trend continues during the second quarantine.

“Most of these cases are related to the excessive and irresponsible consumption of alcohol. We really see the dangers of people who abuse alcohol in private, and then all the other problems.”

Lithuanian police spokeswoman Revita Janavičiūtė Delfi also pointed out that looking at the holiday period of several years, it can be said that Lithuanians still do not avoid drinking alcohol during the holidays.

“The number of incidents related to domestic violence, traffic accidents and other breaches of public order increases during the holidays. We expect that during the festive period this year, with the entry into force of the strict quarantine in the country, the statistics of infractions will be significantly lower. “

He also assured that during the festive period, the police will organize their forces and work in such a way that direct functions are not affected and that quarantine requirements are ensured.

“Movement and other restrictions will be monitored by shooters, military police, border guards, police sympathizers, officials from the Public Security Service and other services,” he said.

Doctors are not surprised by such calls

Zdislav Skvarciany, head of the ambulance station, commented that it is still difficult to say what the holiday period will be for medical staff.

“There have been no special calls before. Clearly, there has been an increase in alcohol overdoses. Also, especially on the second or third holiday, there is an increase in intoxications, but they are certainly not very significant things.”

When asked if during the coronavirus crisis, those vacations couldn’t turn into a heavier workload for doctors, he said it was very difficult to predict.

“In my head, during this vacation, when there will be no events, there will be no other holiday gatherings, it will definitely be easier. We are always ready to react: we work, the brigades go. The number of calls is now similar to what it was before, for example a week or two ago. “

He also assured that injuries that occur during the festive period are highly dependent on the weather.

“If you slip, there are more traumatic accidents. True, now it is more difficult to say how it will be, because if people still go out, try to have fun, then we will see what it will be like. It all depends on the weather and how people behave during that time. period “.

According to Z. Skvarciany, the enormous scale of the spread of the virus had to change at least some of the habits of society.