Hot weather, alcohol and football tension could spark surge in 999 calls

Senior paramedics at London Ambulance Service are concerned that the combination of hot weather, alcohol and the tension of knockout football will lead to a spike in 999 emergencies.

As England prepare for tomorrow’s quarter final against Norway, call handlers and ambulance crews are expecting an increase in alcohol-related calls – many of which are avoidable. When England played Spain in the Euro 2024 final, demand was nearly 30% higher compared to a usual Sunday evening.

During major international tournaments, the Service typically sees an increase in 999 calls, particularly at weekends and during heatwaves, as Londoners gather in fan zones and pubs.

June’s heatwave led to a record 53,342 calls to 999 during the week of 22–28 June. The Service also recorded its highest number of Category 1 incidents, involving the most seriously ill patients, including those in cardiac arrest or who had stopped breathing.

In response to the expected increase in demand over the weekend, London Ambulance Service has moved to its highest level of escalation. This means more resources will be available to care for Londoners.

Emergency Call Handler Marcus Donnelly discusses the health issues he was seeing on 999:

“Calls were relentless – back-to-back. A lot of it was down to heat exhaustion. People with underlying health conditions were really struggling.

Emergency call handler Asha Patel talked the impact alcohol was playing during the recent heatwave:

“I had a lot of heat related incidents. People collapsing and heat stroke. Also, people that were drinking alcohol were responding badly because of dehydration”.

“It was so busy; you didn’t get a moment between calls to process what was happening. I took 90 calls on the Friday and 93 calls on Saturday. I have never gone above 60 calls on a 12-hour shift. That shows just how busy it was.

Director of Ambulance Operations Darren Farmer said:

“The England team have brought the nation great joy this summer, and we are all hoping for more amazing nights.

“It is going to be hot on Saturday. We know that heat and alcohol do not mix well, especially when you throw in the tension of an England match.

“The last few weeks have been extremely busy for us; the heat is causing health issues across the capital. Please look after yourself when enjoying the sun and football. Stay hydrated, if you are drinking alcohol, do so in moderation, and stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day.

“We see alcohol-related incidents around the England games – which includes people passing out, injuring themselves and becoming violently unwell. These incidents are entirely avoidable, but they take up our crew’s vital time and could cause delays for someone who has a life-threatening condition.”

“Let’s end the night celebrating a Three Lions win, not in the back of an ambulance”.

Ambulance crews have been ready to respond throughout the World Cup, but Londoners can help by using NHS services appropriately. For non-emergency medical advice, people should consider NHS 111 online, a local pharmacy or their GP.

People should call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk.