Ambulance leaders are cautioning English supporters to stay hydrated during the current heatwave as they gear up for the World Cup match against Panama.
The head of the UK’s largest ambulance service has highlighted the escalating strain on emergency services, emphasizing the importance of drinking water consistently, even if not feeling thirsty. The London Ambulance Service (LAS) chief recommended that England fans should intersperse alcoholic beverages with water before and while watching the Panama game on Saturday night.
This advice comes as the Met Office confirmed that Friday marked the third consecutive day of breaking the record for the hottest June day. A provisional temperature of 36.9C was registered in Wattisham, Suffolk, surpassing the previous high of 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset, recorded on Thursday.
LAS responded to a record number of life-threatening incidents on Wednesday, with several hospitals declaring critical incidents in recent days. Data also reveals a 50% surge in 999 calls and an uptick in alcohol-related incidents following the previous match against Ghana.
Craig Harman, LAS chief operating officer, anticipates a surge in 999 calls over the next few days, urging the public to prioritize hydration, avoid sun exposure during peak heat hours, and refrain from strenuous outdoor activities.
The capital witnessed a 50% spike in life-threatening emergency calls on Wednesday compared to a standard June day, with cardiac arrests rising by 30%, mirroring potential trends nationwide.
The Met Office’s rare red warning remains in effect on Friday, encompassing millions of individuals for the third day in a row. Temperatures are forecasted to stay above 30C across much of the south through Saturday.
Darren Farmer, LAS director of ambulance operations, wished the Three Lions luck while advising responsible alcohol consumption, pacing oneself, and staying hydrated. He stressed the need for cautious behavior to avoid unnecessary ambulance calls due to a combination of excitement, tension, alcohol consumption, and warm weather.
Temperatures soared to 36C in London and 35C in Manchester on Friday, with Belfast and Cardiff expecting highs around 26C. The Met Office reported a provisional temperature of 36.7C in Merryfield, Somerset, on Thursday, making it the hottest June day ever recorded in the UK.
The Met Office extended the red alert until 9pm on Friday for London and parts of eastern and south-eastern England, spanning regions like Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Hampshire, and Kent, due to the ongoing heatwave.
A hospital near the upcoming Wimbledon tennis championships warned of potential increased demand for emergency services as temperatures continue to rise.
Nicola Shopland, chief nurse at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, advised the public to stay hydrated, keep cool, and wear sunscreen while enjoying Wimbledon.
Transport services experienced disruptions, with a rail operator discouraging beach trips due to the extreme heat.
Multiple hospitals declared critical incidents amid the heatwave, resulting in the cancellation of planned operations and outpatient appointments. Schools closed, a hosepipe ban was imposed in Kent, and train services were disrupted.
The prevailing heatwave is attributed to a “heat-dome” phenomenon, characterized by high-pressure systems trapping heat over a region, leading to extreme conditions across western Europe and beyond.