AMBULANCE bosses are urging the public to look after themselves and their loved ones as the hot and humid weather looks set to continue for a few days yet.
It comes after call numbers for those suffering from heat related issues rose significantly in the last few days.
The heat is particularly affecting older people, especially those over 75; babies and young children; people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems; and people with mobility problems such as those with Parkinson’s disease or who have had a stroke.
Assistant chief ambulance officer, Michelle Brotherton, said: “We are seeing lots of cases of patients becoming dehydrated after not having drunk enough water.
“There are also case of people who are simply overheating which is a particular problem if the individual already has problems with their heart or breathing. Particularly over the weekend we also saw cases of heat exhaustion and heatstroke for people who were out in the sun for many hours who had not taken precautions.
“Thank you to our staff who are working incredibly hard to deal with the increased demand whilst also having to cope themselves in the high temperatures.
“There is no doubt many of those emergencies could have been avoided if people had taken precautions. We would therefore urge the public to look out for their loved ones, but also elderly neighbours who might be finding the current weather tough to deal with.”
Between June 12 and June 19 the number of sick people dealt with by the ambulance service rose by 32 per cent to 525, those with breathng problems by 16.5 per cent to 372,
falls surged by 55 per cent to 202, collapses almost doubled, going to 162, a rise of 95 per cent, while those passing out increased by 52 per cent to 136.
Tips for coping in hot weather
Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. You can open the windows for ventilation when it is cooler
Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day)
Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar.
Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
