With hotter temperatures set to make an appearance this week,
South East Coast Ambulance Service, (SECAmb), is urging people to
be sensible and take appropriate action to stay safe in the
sun.

Warmer weather is of course welcomed by many, but it often
brings with it a likely increase in certain calls for the ambulance
service. Calls relating to dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn
typically increase, and higher temperatures can also seriously
affect people with long-term health conditions such heart
conditions or high blood pressure. Older people and the very young
are also at higher risk of being affected. SECAmb is urging these
groups and anyone who looks after them to be equally cautious
during hot weather.

SECAmb’s Executive Director of Operations, Joe Garcia said: “I’m
sure many people are pleased to see the arrival of some warmer
weather and we of course want people to enjoy the sun. However, we
also need people to be sensible and use their common sense. This
means covering up and using sun screen as well as drinking plenty
of water.

“Everyone can benefit from this simple advice but there are some
groups whose health can be particularly affected by the hotter
weather including the very young, older people and anyone with
certain long-term health conditions. If people know of anyone who
could be especially vulnerable, then we’d ask them to check they’re
ok.

“We’d also urge people to remember that we have a finite amount
of resources to respond to patients. We are asking the public for
their support in remembering that 999 should only be dialed in the
event of a serious emergency. Health advice is also available by
dialing NHS 111 or by speaking to a pharmacist.

“Finally, I’d like to thank all our staff and volunteers who are
working extremely hard to provide our patients with the care they
need, whatever the weather.”

SECAmb tips for staying safe and cool in the sun

• Stay in the shade or indoors. The sun is at its most
dangerous between 11am and 3pm. Find shade under umbrellas, trees
or canopies. It is worth remembering that the temperature is often
a couple of degrees cooler if you are by water
• Use sunscreen and cover up. If you can’t avoid being out in
the sun apply a high factor sunscreen and wear a t-shirt, hat and
sunglasses
• Increase your fluid intake. The normal recommended daily
intake of fluid is 2.5 litres or 8 glasses per day. In extreme heat
experts recommend you drink more and include a range of different
fluids
• Keep your home cool. Keep windows closed while the room is
cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside
rises, and at night for ventilation
• Look after the elderly. Older people are more prone to the
effects of heat. If you have older relatives or neighbours, you can
help simply by checking on them and reminding them to drink plenty
and often. Also help them to keep their house as cool as possible,
using a fan if necessary
• Protect children. Keep a close eye on young children, who
need plenty of fluids. A good way to check if they are drinking
enough is that they are passing urine regularly and that it is not
too dark. You should check nappies regularly. Babies and the very
young must be kept out of the sun
• Act safely around water and follow lifeguard advice. Avoid
excessive physical exertion. If you are taking physical exercise
you need to drink half a litre of fluid at least half an hour
beforehand and continue to replenish your fluids during and after
exercising
• Be sensible with alcohol. Hot weather speeds up the effects
of alcohol so extra care should be taken when drinking. Alcohol
will lead to dehydration so make sure that you alternate alcoholic
drinks with water or fruit juice
• Know the perils of outdoor eating. Warm summer weather is a
perfect breeding ground for bacteria so it is especially important
to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold until you are ready to
eat them. When barbecuing always make sure you cook meat until it
is piping hot, none of it is pink and all juices run clear
• Keep cool at work. The office is often the coolest place to
be in a heat wave. Ask your boss for air-conditioning or fans and
open windows where possible. Keep windows shaded with blinds and if
possible move your working position out of direct sunlight. Have
plenty of breaks during the day to get cold drinks and cool
down

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

If you need medical advice or treatment you can also talk to a
pharmacist, call NHS 111, visit your GP surgery or Minor Injury
Unit.

When to call 999:

If you think a patient is suffering from one of the following
you must dial 999 for an ambulance:
• heart attack (e.g. chest pain for more than 15
minutes)
• sudden unexplained shortness of breath
• heavy bleeding
• unconsciousness (even if the patient has regained
consciousness)
• traumatic back/spinal/neck pain

You should also call for an ambulance if:
• you think the patient’s illness or injury is
life-threatening
• you think the illness or injury may become worse, or even
life-threatening on the way to the hospital
• the patient needs the skills or equipment of the ambulance
service and its personnel