South East Coast Ambulance Service is asking the public for its continued support after experiencing one of its busiest ever starts to the summer.
In three weeks, between 22 June and 12 July, as temperatures regularly exceeded 30 degrees, the Trust’s 999 teams handled close to 78,000 calls – an increase of more than 11,000 (16 per cent) compared to the same period last year.
NHS 111 demand has also increased with calls across Kent, Medway and Sussex, where SECAmb provides the service, increasing to more than 72,000 in the same period – up more than 10 per cent on 2025.
With the warm weather set to continue and as schools break up for the summer, demand is expected to remain high. The public is urged to only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency and continue to make use of alternatives including NHS 111 for help and advice.
SECAmb is working hard to prioritise its response to its most seriously ill and injured patients, ensuring more patients receive the right care without unnecessary ambulance attendances or hospital admissions.
As part of its clinically-led strategy, to provide more care virtually over the phone and keep ambulances available for those who need them most, anyone not facing a life-threatening emergency is likely to receive a call back from a clinician, such as a paramedic or nurse. This allows their concerns to be discussed in more detail and, where appropriate, for them to be referred or directed to a service better placed to meet their needs.
The public can also get the care they need close to home through their local pharmacy. Many pharmacists can 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 reminded to take some simple precautions this summer to help themselves and others including keeping hydrated, making use of shade during the hottest parts of the day, ordering repeat prescription on time and looking out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours.
SECAmb Divisional Director of Integrated Care, John O’Sullivan said: “This has been one of the busiest starts to summer we have experienced and with the continuing warmer weather and school holidays we know that demand on our services and the wider NHS will remain high over the coming weeks.
“I am incredibly proud of our staff and volunteers who have shown their usual high levels of compassionate care during this busy period and would like to thank everyone for their hard work and commitment in ensuring we respond to the needs of our patients.
“The public can play an important role in helping us respond to our most seriously ill or injured patients as quickly as possible by only calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency and by considering other options for help and advice, including NHS 111 or a visiting a local pharmacy. By choosing the right service, alongside some simple steps to stay safe and well, people can help us keep 999 available for those who need it most.”
Further health advice, information on NHS services and the available can be found at www.nhs.uk
For further advice on how to stay safe this summer visit: Stay Safe and Cool in the Sun – NHS South East Coast Ambulance Service