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Summer Heat Strains NHS Ambulance Services
28 Aug
Summary
- Ambulance trust faced record demand during summer heat.
- One day saw over 5,200 calls amid record-breaking temperatures.
- Heatwave conditions caused increased falls and breathing issues.
Unseasonably hot weather has placed significant strain on NHS services throughout the summer, extending beyond typical winter pressures. South Western Ambulance Service Trust (Swast) experienced its busiest day ever in June, responding to an unprecedented 4,350 incidents. This surge coincided with a then-record-breaking June temperature of 36.7C.
On this exceptionally demanding day, Swast's 999 control room received over 5,200 calls. Common medical emergencies during prolonged hot spells include falls, respiratory distress, unconsciousness, and fainting. To understand the on-the-ground challenges, reporter Liz Beacon spent a shift with paramedics in Somerset, witnessing firsthand the impact of the heatwave on emergency services.
