Ambulance service issues advice and guidance during extreme heat warning
Due to the red extreme heat weather warning and the red heat-health alert issued today, South Western Ambulance Service is urging residents and visitors across the South West to protect themselves during the current hot weather and use NHS services appropriately.
Wayne Darch, Director of Operations (South) at the South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, said: "Due to the red extreme heat weather warning and the red heat-health alert issued today, we are asking our South West communities to help us to help you.
"We are already seeing an increase in activity across the region and yesterday (Sunday 21 June) alone, we managed 9.5% more incidents than expected for this time of year.
"Our people are continuing to work incredibly hard in very hot and challenging conditions, and I'd like to say a huge thank you to them and NHS partners for everything they are doing to care for patients across our region.
"We want to be there for everyone that needs us in a life-threatening emergency but to do this, we need to have our ambulances free to respond to those most in need.
"If you call us and another NHS service is more appropriate for your needs, our call handlers will direct you to the right care. Please listen to that advice - it could help you get the support you need more quickly, while keeping emergency crews available for the sickest patients.
"We are receiving calls that could be managed through self-care, pharmacies, NHS 111 online or other healthcare services. Every less urgent 999 call reduces our ability to respond quickly to patients facing life-threatening situations.
"With the exceptionally hot weather set to continue across the week, please remember to drink plenty of water and stay hydrated, keep out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and check in on elderly relatives, neighbours and vulnerable people."
Which service should I access?
- Self-care - visit NHS 111 online for self-care advice for things like grazed knees, sunburn, coughs and colds
- Pharmacy - visit your local pharmacy for headaches, upset stomachs, hay fever, aches and pains
- NHS 111 - visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for advice and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- GP - call your GP for symptoms that won't go away
- Minor Injury Unit / Urgent Treatment Centre - attend your local MIU or UTC for urgent but not life-threatening conditions and injuries such as sprains, fractures and burns
- 999 - call 999 for life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, loss of consciousness, fits that aren't stopping, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, severe allergic reactions, suspected stroke and serious head injuries.