The public are urged to use our services wisely as heat continues into the week after a busy weekend that saw a 30 per cent rise in calls over the bank holiday weekend – making it the busiest weekend of the year so far.

As soaring temperatures led to a sharp increase in demand across emergency and urgent care services, South East Coast Ambulance Service handled more than 11,000 emergency 999 calls, averaging over 3,500 calls each day – 500+ additional calls per day compared to normal demand and the previous weekend.

Overall, call volumes were approximately 32 per cent higher than the same period in the previous weekend, with the most common incident type linked to heat exposure and heat-related illnesses.

A huge thank you is being extended to our operational and volunteer colleagues across our service include frontline and in our emergency operations and 111 centres centre, who worked tirelessly to ensure patients continued to receive care during a period of sustained pressure.

The increased demand came as the UK experienced unusually high temperatures for May. On Monday, 34.8°C, setting a new May temperature record and surpassing previous highs recorded in 1922 and 1944. The UK also saw its warmest May night on record, with overnight minimum temperatures remaining above 20°C in parts of England.

Head of Integrated Care, Simon Clarke, said: “I’d like to extend my thanks to all colleagues and volunteers who worked so hard over the weekend to help our communities. With forecasts suggesting that the heat is likely to continue for the rest of this week, we are urging members of the public to take extra care in protecting themselves and those more susceptible to the heat such as young children or the elderly.”

Staying 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.

The Trust is asking people to plan ahead, stay hydrated and look after one another while helping emergency services remain available for those most in need.

A huge thank you to all colleagues who worked across the bank holiday weekend and continue to support communities during this period of exceptionally high demand and temperatures.