'People don't realise how at risk they are': A day with an ambulance service in a heatwave
Ambulance crews in South West England are facing increased pressure as a prolonged heatwave leads to a surge in health emergencies, particularly among the elderly. Paramedics emphasize that many people underestimate the severe health risks associated with high temperatures.
Why it matters
Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense, placing significant strain on public health infrastructure and emergency services.
Image caption, Fifty-five-year-old Andrew was the crew's first call-out of the day
Suffering from asthma and a chronic lung condition, 55-year-old Andrew is distressed, overheating and struggling to breathe or talk. Exeter paramedics Connor Gilronan and Charlotte Sherston give him medication and oxygen, and remind him to stay cool and hydrated.
This is a typical callout for the ambulance crew in South West England, who in one of Britain's longest-lasting heatwaves , are tending to cases from heat exhaustion to stroke patients. The BBC joined them on one of their shifts.
Once Andrew's medication kicks in, his breathing eases and the paramedics decide he is safe to stay at home.
Major emergencies are rare for ambulance services, whose visits are largely spent caring for the elderly or those with chronic health conditions, the paramedics told the BBC.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in