A NEW campaign has been launched to warn people about using A&E appropriately this Christmas.

A set of videos, released by the NHS, reveal some shocking reasons for attending the emergency department.

The videos which are based on real events include needing help carving a turkey and removing permanent ink from a man’s forehead.

There is also a shot of a woman being wheeled past on all fours after sitting on a photocopier at her office party.

Around 40% of all A&E attendances are for alcohol-related injuries and illnesses, according to experts, with the figures rising dramatically over the Christmas and New Year period.

Festive parties make the last Friday night before Christmas notorious as the busiest shift of the year for 999 teams.

But as Christmas falls on Sunday this year, experts are predicting two ‘mad Fridays’.

However, According to NHS Kirklees, A&E isn’t the only option. The Primary Care Trust has recommended the following:

Keep a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home to take care of minor ailments.

A pharmacist is qualified to give health advice and suggest remedies, without an appointment, for a whole range of illnesses.

A local GP, or health centre, can provide a wide-range of health services, including medical advice and treatment, prescriptions, jabs and referral to specialists.

Executive Medical Director for NHS Calderdale, Kirklees and Wakefield District Matt Walsh said: “Most minor illnesses and injuries can be treated at home or by a visit to your local pharmacist or GP.

“If you are worried and need advice you can get this from NHS Direct, either by calling 0845 46 47 or online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.

“The NHS Kirklees website also has lots of useful information about choosing the right service, available locally, to help you and your family.”

The videos were created by NHS North West Choose Well.

Medical director at NHS North West Dr Mike Cheshire said: “These comedy films support Choose Well, a national campaign which encourages people to think carefully about their condition before they go to A&E.

“These unsuitable attendances cost the NHS around £100 million every year.

“At Christmas, paramedics and A&E staff are under their most severe pressure.”

Go to http://www.kirklees.nhs.uk/your-health/ choose-well/