Ambulance service calls for people to be sensible in the sun (From Cotswold Journal)

Ambulance service calls for people to be sensible in the sun

2:54pm Thursday 2nd July 2009

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WEST Midlands Ambulance Service has appealed to the public to stay safe in the sun after receiving a massive increase in calls related to the hot weather.

The service is experiencing a significant increase in heat related calls and together with hospitals that are extremely busy, staff are said to be under ‘immense pressure.’ Yesterday (1), there were approx 2,900 calls dealt with by the service; about 600 higher than the same period last year which is more than a 23% increase in demand.

There were 1,545 calls in Birmingham and the Black Country (450 more than the norm), 495 calls in Staffordshire (60 more than the norm), 382 calls in Coventry and Warwickshire (40 more than the norm) and 491 calls in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire (100 more than the norm).

The MET Office has now upgraded the Heat wave Plan Alert to Level 3 on behalf of the Department of Health which means that high temperatures have been reached and sustained in one or more Regions, with two consecutive very warm nights, a hot intervening day and forecasts for even higher temperatures for the next few days.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “Members of the public are asked to consider whether or not their call is of an urgent nature that requires an immediate medical response before dialing 999.

“The service is experiencing a rise in calls from people who have heat related conditions such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, sunburn, and dehydration as well as alcohol related injuries and illness, all of which can be avoided by being sensible and following guidelines to stay safe.

“We are appealing to members of the public to take simple steps and follow practical advice to cope with the current high temperatures.

“Any measures the public can take to avoid becoming a victim in the heat wave will ultimately help us during this period so that we are able to continue to provide patient care to those with life threatening and serious conditions.

For advice and help with heat related conditions which are not serious or life threatening, please call NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or alternatively consult your GP, local pharmacist or visit local walk in centres and minor injuries units.”

Top tips for coping during a heatwave include: • Avoid the sun during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm • If you must go outside in these hours wear a hat, sunscreen and light, loose fitting cotton clothes • Make sure you have plenty of cool drinks, but avoid caffeine and alcohol as they can make you more dehydrated • Eating more fruit, vegetables and salad can help keep you hydrated as they contain lots of water • Try not to open windows during the hottest part of the day; wait until temperatures have dropped before opening windows • If possible, try to sleep in a cool and well ventilated room • Older people are much more prone to heat related illness, you can help by checking on elderly relatives and neighbours, ensuring they follow this advice as they may be less able to help themselves • Make sure you have plenty of water available on long journeys, and avoid leaving babies, children and older people in stationary cars Further advice on steps you can take to reduce your risk can be found on nhsdirect.nhs.uk or 0845 46 47, or from your pharmacist.

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