AMBULANCE chiefs are urging people across the South West to take extra care during the current heatwave and use NHS services appropriately, as demand on emergency services continues to rise.

The appeal comes after a red extreme heat weather warning and a red heat-health alert were issued, with temperatures expected to remain exceptionally high throughout the week.

The South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust (SWASFT) says it is already experiencing increased pressure, with crews responding to significantly more incidents than would normally be expected at this time of year.

Wayne Darch, Director of Operations (South) at SWASFT, said ambulance teams were working in challenging conditions as demand for services continued to grow.

He said: ‘Due to the red extreme heat weather warning and the red heat-health alert issued today, we are asking our South West communities to help us to help you.

‘We are already seeing an increase in activity across the region and yesterday alone, we managed 9.5 per cent more incidents than expected for this time of year’.

Mr Darch praised frontline staff and NHS partners for their efforts during the hot spell, highlighting the dedication of emergency workers operating in difficult circumstances.

‘Our people are continuing to work incredibly hard in very hot and challenging conditions, and I'd like to say a huge thank you to them and NHS partners for everything they are doing to care for patients across our region’, he said.

The ambulance service is reminding members of the public that 999 should only be used for genuine life-threatening emergencies.

Officials say some calls currently being received could be dealt with through self-care, pharmacies, NHS 111 or other healthcare services.

Mr Darch warned that unnecessary emergency calls can affect response times for the most seriously ill patients.

‘We want to be there for everyone that needs us in a life-threatening emergency but to do this, we need to have our ambulances free to respond to those most in need’, he said.

‘If you call us and another NHS service is more appropriate for your needs, our call handlers will direct you to the right care.

‘Please listen to that advice – it could help you get the support you need more quickly, while keeping emergency crews available for the sickest patients’.

The trust is encouraging people to consider alternative healthcare options depending on their symptoms. NHS 111 online can provide advice on minor illnesses and injuries, while pharmacists can offer treatment and guidance for common conditions such as headaches, hay fever, upset stomachs, aches and pains.

Patients with ongoing symptoms are advised to contact their GP, while Minor Injury Units and Urgent Treatment Centres can help with urgent but non-life-threatening injuries such as sprains, burns and fractures.

Emergency services should be contacted immediately for life-threatening conditions including cardiac arrest, chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding, suspected stroke, serious head injuries or severe allergic reactions.

With temperatures forecast to remain high, the ambulance service is also urging people to protect themselves from the effects of the heat by drinking plenty of water, staying out of direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day and checking on elderly relatives, neighbours and vulnerable members of the community.

Health officials hope these simple steps will help reduce the impact of the heatwave while ensuring emergency services remain available for those who need them most.