East Midlands Ambulance Service has seen a surge in emergency calls related to symptoms caused by the warm weather.
On average East Midlands Ambulance Service takes around 2000 calls, but they have seen a significant rise in urgent and emergency calls.
On July 1 they took around 3000 emergency calls relating to symptoms caused by the warm humid weather.
The types of calls they received included complaints of sunstroke, dehydration, heat exhaustion and breathing difficulties, as well as an increase in the number of road traffic collisions.
The average number of calls that the East Midlands Ambulance Service receives each day is equivalent to a 999 call almost every 45 seconds of each day.
With this sudden increase in calls, Medical Director Bob Winter is urging people to take responsibility for their health and well being. He said: “We want people to enjoy the weather, but to do so safely.
We have taken around 48 calls for heat exposure and sunstroke, many of which could have been prevented.
Medical Director, Bob Winter.
Last year the East Midlands Ambulance Service responded to 175 calls reporting ‘drowning’. The Medical Director is keen to remind adults to supervise children and babies in paddling or swimming pools this time of year.
Mr Winter added: “Our colleague and volunteers are working incredibly hard and we are proud of their continued commitment to provide the best possible care during this challenging time.”
Medical Director, Bob Winter’s top tips to enjoy the weather:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Wear a sun hat and sunscreen to prevent burning or heat stroke.
- If you begin to feel unwel in the heat, take a sit down and rest inside.
- If you still feel unwell you can get advice from your GP out of hours service, 111.
- Last year they recieved 175 calls of reported ‘drowning’. Constantly supervise children and babies in paddling pools/ swimming pools.
- If you’re planning a journey, consider the unexpected e.g. a breakdown or delays.
