Ambulance Calls Up In Heatwave

East Midlands Ambulance Service have told Capital that they had almost 25% more calls over the weekend.

Most of the calls were down to breathing problems and chest pains that were brought on because of the high temperatures.

Director of Operations Diane Lee said: “As we enter the summer months we are not expecting demand to ease – our service is always busy and people always need our help.

“Our staff and volunteers have made a fantastic effort in the face of huge increases in demand and it is to their credit that we are continuing to offer effective emergency services to the people of the East Midlands.

“Whilst we don’t want to dissuade anyone from calling for help if they need it, we would like to remind everyone to only dial 999 in a genuine emergency. Our priority is to help patients with life-threatening illnesses or injuries as quickly as possible. That’s why we ask anyone with less urgent conditions to consider calling NHS Direct for advice on 0845 46 47.”