The Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA)  is urging the public to exercise caution when engaging in pranks, as they are putting further strain on healthcare staff and resources.

The appeal follows a recent incident involving a young man whose hands were glued to the steering wheel of his car as part of a prank. 

The man required medical intervention and several hospital staff members attended to him.

In a statement, the SRHA said while pranks can be fun and harmless, they should never violate laws or regulations nor should they cause distress or endanger others.

Noting that the health system is already under immense pressure, the SRHA said pranks leading to medical emergencies that could have been avoided only worsen the burden.