Sun brings more 999 calls than New Year's Eve

AS the temperatures soared ambulance crews dealt with more 999 calls on Saturday (July 6) than on New Year's Eve.

West Midlands Ambulance Service (WMAS) received 3,211 999 calls compared to 2,815 999 calls on January 31. There were 462 calls across Coventry and Warwickshire compared with 462 on New Year's Eve.

Diane Lee, WMAS Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, said: “Historically, when the weather is good, there is greater demand on both the ambulance service and the NHS as a whole. Yesterday was no exception and saw ambulance crews and control room staff work flat out to deal with 14 per cent more 999 calls than on New Years’ Eve, traditionally the busiest day of the year.

With temperatures expected to remain well into the 20s celsius, and possibly even reaching 30, ambulance chiefs offered important advice for staying safe in the sun.

· If out in the sun make sure you apply plenty of sun cream, wear a hat and light, loose fitting cotton clothes. Avoid being out between 11am and 3pm - the hottest part of the day.

· Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to keep yourself hydrated. Remember, caffeine and alcohol can have the opposite effect and can actually dehydrate.

· If a barbecue is on the cards, ensure it is lit safely and in the correct manner. Avoid burn injuries by using the correct utensils and don’t let children play too closely to the hot barbecue, and make sure all food is cooked through properly to avoid any food poisoning incidents.

· Fancy a swim? Then do so in a supervised swimming pool. No matter how tempting it is to cool off in rivers and lakes. the trust sadly dealt with a fatal drowning in a quarry in Herefordshire on Saturday.

· If taking advantage of the sunshine and are going out for a walk or hike in the countryside, please make sure you wear the appropriate footwear to avoid any slips or trips.

· If planning a road for a trip away, take food and drinks and remember to break the journey up. If driving in residential areas, watch out for ice cream vans and any children that may be distracted around them.

· Bikers should be careful and wear appropriate safety clothing. Equally car drivers should look out for bikers, as the number of these on the road will be significantly higher when the weather is good.

Share This

Regional news »