Alcohol and soccer, an inseparable couple? This is in any case what suggests the latest epidemiological point of the National Public Health Agency (ANSP), published this Thursday, June 16, 2016. We learn that, since the beginning of Euro 2016, the number of emergency room visits for “alcohol consumption” has increased by 20% …
More specifically, among 15 – 74 year olds, the ANSP recorded 551 additional visits to emergency room for this reason on the week of June 6 to 13, 2016, compared to the week of May 30 to June 6, 2016. But according to the Agency, no need to worry too much: “no particular report to note in connection with Euro 2016 may have a health impact “.
Twice as many emergency visits in the ARA region
It is in the ARA region (Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes) that the phenomenon is most important: epidemiologists have noted a “significant increase” in emergency room visits for the “Alcohol” diagnosis. Thus, on Saturday 11 June 2016, while 3 Euro 2016 matches were scheduled (Albania / Switzerland, Wales / Slovakia and England / Russia), 67 emergency room visits were recorded at regional level, compared to the usual 36.
In the PACA region, during the weekend of 11 and 12 June 2016, it was not alcohol that sent the supporters in emergencies, but rather the “violent events that took place around the England / Russia match”. This was indeed played in Marseille: 3 Russian supporters were sentenced to prison by the Marseille Criminal Court after having chased down English supporters.
As part of Euro 2016, the Public Health France network (which brings together the National Institute for Prevention and Education for Health (Inpes), the Institute for Public Health Surveillance (InVS) and the Preparation and response to health emergencies (Eprus)) has strengthened its surveillance system in the territory.
Thus, brochures “6 health tips to not spoil the party” were made available in regional health agencies, “national strategic stocks of health products and mobilizable health reservists” were established, and surveillance health indicators has been strengthened … In short, France is ready!