999 calls rise with temperatures

People should not sit in the sun during the hottest part of the day

The number of people needing ambulances in the South East has risen in recent days with the soaring temperatures, ambulance chiefs have revealed.

Some parts of the region have seen a 23% increase in call numbers compared to the same period last year, the South East Coast Ambulance Trust said.

Clinical director, Andy Newton, said many patients had been treated for heat stroke and dehydration.

He said the weather had accelerated the number of calls usually received.

Mr Newton warned that high temperatures could also exacerbate some pre-existing medical conditions, such as high blood pressure and heart conditions.

The ambulance service said that during the extreme weather people should keep in the shade or indoors between the hours of 1100 and 1500 BST, use sunscreen, cover up and drink plenty of fluids.

The South East has seen some of the highest temperatures in recent days, with Charlwood in Surrey recording the hottest ever July day in England on Wednesday, with a temperature of 36.3C (97.3F).