UK ambulance services face record call volumes amid extreme heatwave

Heatwaves across England and Wales have driven ambulance services to unprecedented levels of demand. The London Ambulance Service recorded its busiest week ever at the end of June, handling 53,342 emergency 999 calls. National data show that the May‑June heatwaves contributed to roughly 2,700 excess deaths.

Emergency medicine consultant Dr. Ian Higginson warned that the public can reduce hospital admissions by staying hydrated, avoiding vigorous exercise during the hottest hours, using sunscreen and shade, and being cautious with medications such as ACE inhibitors and ibuprofen that can stress the kidneys. He highlighted the particular vulnerability of the elderly, who may struggle to maintain fluid intake and temperature regulation.

North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) is also reviewing its resilience strategy. Head of Emergency Preparedness Stu Holliday described how NEAS’s Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) prepares for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents, as well as floods, storms and power outages. The service is planning for supply‑chain fragility, cyber risk and the impacts of climate change, including vehicle performance in extreme temperatures and the integration of community responders when roads become impassable.