Call to cool it as 999 calls surge in heat wave (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Call to cool it as 999 calls surge in heat wave

2:26pm Thursday 2nd July 2009

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DUE to significant increases in 999 calls throughout the region, West Midlands Ambulance Service is making an appeal to the public.

With the current high temperatures set to continue, members of the public are being advised to be sensible in the sun.

A rise in heat-related calls are said to be putting staff “under immense pressure”.

Yesterday, there were about 2,900 calls dealt with by the service - about 600 higher than the same period last year, which is more than a 23 per cent increase in demand.

Most of the was experienced in Birmingham and the Black Country. There were 1,545 calls in Birmingham and the Black Country (about 450 more than the norm), 495 calls in Staffordshire (about 60 more than the norm), 382 calls in Coventry and Warwickshire (about. 40 more than the norm) and 491 calls in Worcestershire, Shropshire andcHerefordshire (about 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.

“Please only call the ambulance service in genuine emergencies and life-threatening situations.

“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.”

Dr Adrian Noon, medical adviser for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “Most of the information to staying safe in the sun is common sense.

“During a period of prolonged high temperatures, it’s important to look after those who are vulnerable, similar to when we experienced the prolonged winter weather period.

“Consider checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and keep in contact with relatives to make sure they are well supplied with cold drinks, sun block and are keeping cool.

“Stay out of the sun, where possible, between 11am and 3pm and find the coolest room in your home to use during the daytime.

“If you do need to venture out during the hottest part of the day, wear plenty of sun block, keep covered with cool, loose fitting cotton clothing and drink plenty of clear fluids.

“Keep up to date with weather forecasts and if you are planning a long journey, make sure you have adequate supplies of water and make regular rest stops to reduce tiredness.”

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 those 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 the advice, as they might 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 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or 0845 46 47 or from your pharmacist

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