High temperatures result in high volume of 999 calls in Warwickshire

As temperatures soared, ambulance crews in Warwickshire dealt with more 999 calls yesterday than on new year’s eve - traditionally the busiest day of the year for the ambulance service.

By The Newsroom

Published 8th Jul 2013, 10:44 BST

The service responded to 462 calls across the county yesterday compared to 373 on new year’s eve.

And across the West Midlands, the figures were 3,211 yesterday compared to 2,815.

Diane Lee, assistant chief ambulance officer at the West Midlands Ambulance Service, which covers the Warwickshire area, said: “Historically, when the weather is good, there is greater demand on both the ambulance service and the NHS as a whole. Yesterday was no exception and saw ambulance crews and control room staff work flat out to deal with 14 per cent more 999 calls than on new years’ eve, traditionally the busiest day of the year.

“Today’s temperatures are expected to remain high and we are appealing to members of the public to stay safe in the sun by following a few simple steps to avoid the need to dial 999.”