London Ambulance Service recorded its sixth-busiest day ever on Tuesday, receiving 8,121 emergency calls, a volume comparable to the peak of the Covid pandemic. The surge in calls was attributed to record-breaking temperatures, with Kew Gardens provisionally reaching 35.1C, marking the hottest May day on record.
Paramedics Urge Caution
Paramedics are urging the public to only call 999 for life-threatening emergencies, noting an increase in calls for heat-related conditions such as breathing difficulties, dizziness, and fainting. Heat health alerts, including amber alerts for London and several other regions, have been extended until Thursday, signifying an increased risk to vulnerable individuals.
Public Advice
The public is advised to stay hydrated, avoid sun exposure during peak hours, check on vulnerable people, and exercise extreme caution around open water following recent drowning incidents. The London Ambulance Service has emphasized that non-urgent calls should be directed to NHS 111 or local pharmacies, urging people to use emergency services responsibly.
The heatwave has also led to increased pressure on hospitals, with emergency departments reporting higher attendances. The Met Office has warned that temperatures could remain high for the rest of the week, with potential impacts on transport and infrastructure. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, are particularly at risk.
This comes as the UK experiences its hottest May day ever, surpassing previous records. The amber heat health alert covers London, the East of England, and parts of the South East, with the public advised to take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
