Paramedics issue urgent warning to all Brits ahead of the hot weekend – as 999 calls soar
London Ambulance Service said May and June have had the most drink and drug-related callouts for three years.
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It said summer emergencies are surging early and it is bracing for festival and exam result season to coincide with good weather.
The Met Office said temperatures will rise day by day this week, peaking at over 30C in many places over the weekend.
It is the second hot spell in as many weeks.
Hot weather increases ambulance calls because people go out more and may overdose, become sick or pass out from drinking or taking drugs, and they are also more likely to have accidents and get into fights.
Every avoidable alcohol-related call could divert from someone in a life-threatening condition
Mark FaulknerConsultant Paramedic, London Ambulance Service
London Ambulance Service said revellers should eat before they go out, pace their drinking, avoid mixing drink types, say no to drugs, and stay hydrated.
Mark Faulkner, consultant paramedic at the service, said: 'We understand Londoners want to go out and have fun in the height of summer, but we are asking people to look after themselves and their friends so they don't end up in the back of an ambulance.
'August brings more alcohol-related calls than the Christmas party season.
Every avoidable alcohol-related call we attend could take away from someone who might have a life-threatening condition.
'If you're drinking alcohol – make sure you have a meal and try to also have soft drinks.
'If you're heading out, take a bottle of water with you.'
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