Region’s ambulance service urges people to take extra care in the heat

15 July 2022

With the current spell of hot weather expected to reach extreme temperatures in the coming days, Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust is urging everyone to take extra care in the heat.

The Met Office has issued Red and Amber extreme heat warnings which means there could be a danger to life or potential serious illness from the scorching temperatures.  A rise in temperature usually leads to a rise in calls for medical issues caused by warmer weather, such as breathing difficulties, fainting and unconsciousness.

Therefore, in order to maximise the availability of our ambulance crews to respond to the most seriously ill people across the region, we are asking people to take responsibility for keeping themselves well during the hot weather.

We want to make sure that people enjoy the hot weather safely, so please be mindful of the following advice:

  • Remember, some of us are more at risk from the heat than others – for example, older people, babies and young children, and people with any pre-existing medical problems which can affect their breathing.
  • Check on elderly or vulnerable family members and neighbours.
  • Try to keep as cool as possible – stay indoors, or in the shade when outdoors. Wear a hat when sitting or working outside and use plenty of sun cream.
  • If possible, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (between 11am and 3pm).
  • Drink plenty of water and avoid drinking alcohol in the sun.
  • Contact your GP, pharmacist or NHS 111 Online if you are worried about your health. In an emergency, dial 999.

Dr Steven Dykes, Executive Medical Director at Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said:

“This advice is common sense but, by reminding everyone, we hope that it will help to reduce the number of people who suffer any ill-effects from the hot weather.

“We will always respond to anyone needing time-critical medical assistance, but we ask that people think carefully before dialling 999 and only call for an ambulance in an emergency when it is obvious that you or another person has a serious or life-threatening illness or injury.

“People suffering from minor illnesses and injuries should consider more appropriate services, such as visiting their local pharmacist or GP, attending a walk-in-centre or minor injuries unit or calling NHS 111.”

The Trust is also reminding everyone to be careful around open water during the hot weather.

Steven added: “It may be very appealing to jump into the water to cool off on a warm summer’s day, but people need to be aware of how dangerous it really is. Water can look calm on the surface, but may contain unseen debris and have treacherous undercurrents. Also, the temperature of deep water is much colder than people would expect it to be and rarely gets above freezing.

“Every year, lives are tragically lost across the UK and we don’t want to see anyone hurt or injured, so please stay out of open water and stay safe.”

More advice on looking after your health during hot weather is available at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

ENDS

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