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Heatwave & World Cup: Ambulance Service Faces Surge
23 Jun
Summary
- Ambulance service anticipates high call volumes due to extreme heat and England's World Cup match.
- Temperatures are expected to reach 40C, prompting a red extreme heat warning.
- The public is advised to use 111 or pharmacists for non-emergencies to ease pressure.
The South East Coast Ambulance Service is bracing for a substantial rise in emergency calls. This surge is anticipated due to the current extreme heatwave and England's upcoming World Cup fixture.
Temperatures are forecast to reach up to 40C, prompting the Met Office to issue a red extreme heat warning for parts of the Midlands, south-east Wales, and southern England, effective from Wednesday morning until Thursday evening. This follows a period of high demand, where the service managed over 3,500 emergency calls daily during the recent May bank holiday, a 30% increase over normal.
To help alleviate the strain on emergency services, the public is strongly advised to use the 999 number exclusively for life-threatening emergencies. For non-emergency medical concerns, individuals should contact the NHS 111 service or consult a community pharmacist.
Supporters attending World Cup events are encouraged to prioritize safety by staying hydrated with water and soft drinks and ensuring they have safe travel arrangements home. These measures aim to mitigate potential incidents during the anticipated period of high demand.
