London Ambulance Service has recorded its highest ever number of life-threatening emergencies as temperatures soared across the capital.
Ambulance crews responded to a record 642 Category 1 calls yesterday (24 June) – the hottest June day on record.
Category 1 incidents include the most serious, life-threatening injuries and illnesses such as cardiac arrests and patients who are not breathing.
Chief Executive Jason Killens KAM said: “We have seen the highest number of life-threatening emergencies in our history, driven by the extreme heat across London.
“Our crews are working very hard in challenging conditions to care for patients, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our people for their incredible hard work.
“Please help them to help you by taking care of yourself and others – stay out of the sun and keep hydrated.”
It was the fifth busiest day in the Service’s history with 7,900 calls in total and ambulance crews responding to nearly 3,600 patients in a single day.
The rise in calls is linked to the hot weather, with crews responding to more people who are fainting, struggling to breathe or experiencing heart problems.
London Ambulance Service has put more than 400 additional ambulance crews on the road this week to help keep patients safe.
The Service has warned that patients can become seriously unwell very quickly in the heat. Even after temperatures begin to fall, respiratory and heart-related incidents can increase in the days following a heatwave.
As well as extra ambulance crews, London Ambulance Service has increased checks on patients who are waiting for help. This allows clinicians in the 999 control room to identify if a patient’s condition is deteriorating and ensure the most seriously ill are prioritised.
The Service is urging Londoners to take simple steps to stay safe during the hot weather. People should drink plenty of fluids, avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm and keep their homes as cool as possible.
People are also being encouraged to check on neighbours, relatives and friends who may be more vulnerable to the effects of the heat.
People should only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency. Anyone who needs urgent medical advice should use NHS 111 or contact their GP.
