Heatwave Crisis: Ambulance Crews Face Unprecedented Challenges

People don t realise how at risk – Amidst one of the most enduring heatwaves recorded in Britain, paramedics in the South West are facing unprecedented challenges. Connor Gilronan and Charlotte Sherston, working for Exeter’s ambulance service, began their shift with a critical call involving a local resident named Andrew. The extreme temperatures have transformed routine operations into life-saving missions across the region.

Andrew, aged 55, was already dealing with asthma alongside a persistent lung ailment when the crew arrived. The rising temperatures had left him visibly distressed, overheating, and finding it difficult to speak or catch his breath. The medical team administered oxygen and necessary medication while advising him to remain in a cool environment and drink plenty of fluids.

Hidden Dangers in the Heat

Charlotte Sherston emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that winter pressures are nothing compared to heatwave pressures. Connor Gilronan added a sobering perspective: people die in heatwaves not because they were out running around or taking risks, but because they’re elderly and don’t realise how at risk they are. This misconception leaves many vulnerable individuals unprotected during extreme weather events.

The statistics paint a clear picture of the strain on emergency services. June’s heatwave saw record-breaking 999 calls, with typical winter peaks reaching approximately 3,000 calls per day. During the heatwave, that number surged past 4,000 calls daily. Dr John Martin, CEO of SWASFT, explained that their number of calls tracks the temperature—it’s a very correlated trend that demands constant vigilance.

Real Stories from the Front Line

Another call brought the crew to Sylvie’s cottage, where small windows trapped stifling air. The patient, who had suffered a recent stroke and experiences seizures, was found with high blood pressure. During transport, Sylvie experienced another seizure, highlighting how dehydration makes all underlying conditions far more dangerous according to Connor’s assessment.

Call handler Claire Havelock described the relentless pace at the dispatch center, where the phone rings every few seconds. Her standard question—”Ambulance—is the patient breathing—”has become increasingly urgent as temperatures climb. Meanwhile, Charlotte experienced the physical toll firsthand when a leather seat burnt her skin during a brief break between calls.

One of the most telling anecdotes involves residents wearing jumpers or keeping heating on because they didn’t know how to turn it off. This demonstrates that people don’t realise how at risk they are during extreme weather. The ambulance service covers 10,000 square miles from Cornwall to Swindon, dealing with heat illness, water injuries, and drownings alongside traditional medical emergencies. North Somerset’s SWASFT recorded its busiest ever day in June, proving that the heatwave has fundamentally changed how emergency services operate across the region.