With the Met Office forecasting hotter than average temperatures in the coming weeks and with 999 call volume expected to increase by as much as 50 per cent in the hours after England World Cup matches, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) is asking the public for its support as they cheer on the Three Lions or their country of choice this summer.

During the most recent heatwave, a sweltering Bank Holiday weekend saw the Trust handle an average of more than 3,500 calls to 999 a day – up almost a third on the previous cooler weekend.

Call volume remained significantly higher across the whole heatwave with more than 46,000 calls answered between 17-29 May – an increase of more than 20 per cent on the previous 13 days.

And with calls during the heatwave relating to minor medical issues numbering more than 3,600, (around a 10 per cent increase), the public is urged help ease pressure on the service this summer by making use of alternatives to calling 999 including NHS 111 or by speaking to a community pharmacist.

Help and advice is available via NHS 111 by phone or online and many pharmacists can also offer prescription medicine for a number of minor conditions including earache and sore throat, without needing to see a GP or make an appointment.

People are also asked to take some simple precautions to protect themselves and each other including by keeping hydrated, planning ahead, enjoying the football responsibly and only calling 999 in a genuine emergency.

Throughout the summer, SECAmb will be working hard to prioritise its response to its most seriously ill and injured patients, while providing care and advice over the phone to others including directing them to other more appropriate services.

The approach forms a key part of its clinically-led strategy to ensure more patients receive the right care without unnecessary ambulance attendances or hospital admissions.

Deputy Chief Operating Officer at SECAmb, Lara Waywell said: “The most recent hot spell placed significant additional pressure on our services and the wider NHS.

“With further hot weather expected, we will see calls increase again and we know that we can also expect to see spikes in demand around England’s World Cup matches.

“I’m incredibly proud of our teams who will always be there for people in an emergency. However, every day we receive hundreds of calls relating to more minor issues, which can tie up our phone lines and place additional strain on our resources.

“The public can make a real difference this summer by making use of alternatives to calling 999, including speaking to a pharmacist or using NHS 111 and enjoying the football responsibly.”

Further health advice, information on NHS services and the available can be found at www.nhs.uk

Advice to stay safe during hot weather

  • Stay in the shade or indoors, particularly between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and increase your intake during very hot weather to avoid dehydration.
  • Wear sunscreen, lightweight clothing and a hat if spending time outdoors.
  • Keep homes cool by closing windows while outdoor temperatures are higher and ventilating later in the day or overnight.
  • Check on elderly relatives, neighbours and vulnerable people, who are more at risk during heatwaves.
  • Protect babies and young children, ensuring they stay hydrated and out of direct sunlight.
  • Avoid strenuous physical activity during the hottest parts of the day where possible.
  • Be careful around water and always follow lifeguard or local safety advice.
  • Take care with alcohol, which can contribute to dehydration.
  • Store and prepare food safely, especially during barbecues and outdoor gatherings where warm weather increases the risk of bacteria growth.

Remember, heat stroke can kill. It can develop very suddenly and rapidly lead to unconsciousness. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke call 999 immediately.

While waiting for the ambulance you should listen carefully to the call handler and follow the instructions given to you. The following can also help someone suffering from heat stroke:

  • If possible, move the person somewhere cooler
  • Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan
  • Cool the patient down as quickly as possible by loosening their clothes, sprinkling them with cold water or wrapping them in a damp sheet
  • If they are conscious, give them water or fruit juice to drink
  • Do not give them aspirin or paracetamol