London Ambulance Service urges Londoners to keep safe as research reveals deadly impact of extreme heat

• London Ambulance Service responds to new analysis estimating 2,700 excess deaths across England and Wales  
• The Service experienced busiest week in history during June heatwave with record number of life-threatening emergencies. 

Paramedics and call handlers are urging Londoners to take simple steps to stay safe in hot weather as research reveals the deadly impact of extreme heat.

New analysis from the Met Office, Imperial College London and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine estimates that around 2,700 excess deaths occurred across England and Wales during the May and June heatwaves.

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

“The new research highlights the very real risks posed by prolonged periods of extreme heat and the devastating impact hot weather can have on people’s health.

“Our crews and call handlers have seen first-hand how quickly people can become seriously unwell during sustained periods of hot weather.

“During the June heatwave, London Ambulance Service experienced the busiest week in its history and responded to a record number of Category 1 incidents, which includes cardiac arrests and patients who had stopped breathing.

“Behind these devastating figures are patients whose conditions became life-threatening in the heat, and our people worked tirelessly to ensure they received the care they needed despite record demand.

“As temperatures remain high, we would urge Londoners to take the heat seriously, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity such as running during the hottest parts of the day, as it puts extra strain on your heart and lungs.

“It’s also really important to look out for vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours, and only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency.”

During the June heatwave, London Ambulance Service received more than 53,000 emergency calls, surpassing demand seen during the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Service deployed 600 additional ambulance crews across London to care for patients. Extra paramedics were treating patients over the phone in the 999 control room’s clinical hub.

Paramedic Mary Byrne said: “Our teams are specialists in treating and assessing your symptoms. If appropriate, they will refer you to a more appropriate service if you don’t require an ambulance.

“This is to ensure our sickest patients receive help the quickest.

“We are seeing an increase in patients experiencing dizziness, vomiting and lethargy. If you are struggling in the heat, you can call NHS 111 to discuss your symptoms.

“If someone is experiencing difficulty in breathing, confusion or a reduced level of consciousness, please call 999.”

Call handler Marcus Donnelly worked on the busiest day in the history of London Ambulance Service on 26 June.

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

“There was a noticeable number of callers acting strangely and as the call went on, you’d realise it was down to the heat. People were behaving outside of the norm.

“It has been the most intense period since I joined London Ambulance Service. We know winter is going to be intense, but it is harder to plan for the heat.”

Call Handler Asha Patel said: “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.

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

“It was very challenging as it was just so relentless. It was without doubt the busiest period for me since joining London Ambulance Service two and a half years ago.”

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, keep their homes as cool as possible and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.

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.