Senior paramedics urge Londoners to stay safe as capital braces for hottest day of the year

Senior paramedics at London Ambulance Service are reminding Londoners to stay safe and only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency as experts forecast May Day temperatures could be the warmest so far in 2025.

We are very busy following the high temperatures at the start of the week and an unusually warm end to April. Since Sunday, London Ambulance Service has taken around 6,000 calls to 999 every day.

This is an additional thousand calls a day compared to the same period last month.

The warm spell coincides with the arrival of a bank holiday weekend which also sees 999 call volumes increase if people are unable to access the usual healthcare support.

Alison Blakely, Deputy Chief Paramedic and Gold Commander at London Ambulance Service, said:

“The hot weather and high pollen count can have a significant impact on people’s health, and we are prepared for an increase in calls relating to difficulty in breathing, dizziness and fainting, as well as more calls relating to chest pains and heart problems.

“Older people, the very young and people with pre-existing conditions are more at risk in hot weather – so please look out for neighbours, family or friends who may need some help and make sure they are able to keep cool during the heat.

“Please be aware of the dangers of spending too long in the sun and the health risks of hot weather. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight – especially between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest. Try to stick to shade and wear sun cream.

“In warmer weather it’s also important to drink plenty of water. If you’re heading out, take a bottle of water with you. And please be sensible if you’re drinking alcohol – make sure you have a meal and try to also have soft drinks.

“During periods of hot weather, we know our services will be busier than usual and we take action to reduce any adverse impact, such as extra ambulance crews out on the road and additional call handlers in our control rooms.”

Our teams are always here to help if you need us, but we would ask that people follow advice, use our service wisely and contact your GP, pharmacy or NHS 111 where possible.

Please also make sure you have the medication you need before the bank holiday weekend. If you need advice or medication from a pharmacist in London, use the NHS pharmacy finder to check which pharmacies are open near you.