THE Welsh Ambulance Service is asking the public to take precautions again ahead of the hot weather forecast for this weekend.

Temperatures in Wales are set to increase over the coming week and are expected to peak on Friday and Saturday.

During July’s heatwave, the most frequent reasons for 999 calls were regarding breathing problems, closely followed by falls, and with 999 demand already high, and a continued Business Continuity Incident declared for the 111 service, the Trust is again asking the public to take extra precautions to reduce pressure on the service.

Lee Brooks, Executive Director of Operations at the Welsh Ambulance Service said: “We cannot remind the public strongly enough to take any and all precautions to stay well again during this predicted heatwave.

“Hot weather means your body works harder to keep its core temperature to normal levels, and this puts extra strain on your heart, lungs, and kidneys.

“We gratefully didn’t see a predicted sharp rise in demand during July’s heatwave, therefore we implore the public to take the same good measures this weekend.

“However, among the calls categorised as ‘Heat/Cold Exposure’ in July, dehydration was by far the biggest culprit.

“Drink plenty of water or fruit juices, keep out of the sun and wear loose-fitted cotton clothing. If you must venture out, wear sun cream and sunglasses, take any medication you require with you, and please take extra care around open water.

“We have well-rehearsed plans in place, but ultimately, our resources are finite.

“If you do fall victim to the sun, visit NHS 111 Wales symptom checkers for bites and stings, hay fever, heat exposure and sunburn – it’ll help you determine the best course of action.”

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This weekend there are on average 110 emergency ambulances on duty pan-Wales, and with careful planning the Trust has ensured this resource is on duty an average of 97% for the entire weekend.

Protecting yourself in the heat

• Take your medication with you - the heat can make pre-existing health conditions worse
• Drink lots of water – it’s important to keep hydrated as you lose more fluid than you take in during hotter temperatures and this is especially true if drinking alcohol
• Keep out of the sun – it’s best to stay in the shade between 11am-3pm when the sun is at its hottest
• Wear sun cream and sunglasses – apply a sun cream of at least factor 30 that includes UVA protection and make sure your sunglasses have UV protection lenses
• Loose clothing – wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes along with a hat
• Look out for others – keep a check on those vulnerable to the effects of heat, especially the elderly, young children, and babies and those who have a heart or respiratory condition such as asthma
• Never leave babies, young children, or animals in a parked vehicle – temperatures can soar very quickly in a parked car, and children under two are particularly at risk of getting heatstroke or heat exhaustion
• Take care around water – always supervise children in and around pools and seriously consider whether open water areas (rivers, lakes etc) are safe

Editor’s Notes
For more information please call Emily Baker, Communications Specialist at the Welsh Ambulance Service on 07811 752110, or email Emily.Baker1@wales.nhs.uk