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'Critical Incident' Declared as Ambulance Service Battles Heatwave
The service said 999 calls jumped 31% this week and more than 400 extra emergency calls a day were recorded as demand remained high.
- On Thursday, June 25, the South Central Ambulance Service , Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, and University Hospitals Southampton NHS Trust declared critical incidents due to sustained and significant demand amid extreme heat.
- The Met Office issued a red 'danger to life' heat alert, while Queen Alexandra Hospital reported infrastructure failures after chiller units failed on Wednesday, hindering cooling of vital systems.
- Paul Grundy, chief medical officer at University Hospital Southampton, said the emergency department was under "substantial pressure," urging the public to avoid coming unless they face "life- or limb-threatening illness."
- Mark Ainsworth, executive director of operations at SCAS, acknowledged that "response times are longer than they should be" while the service activated a 'critical incident response cell' to prioritize patients.
- Dr Charlotte Hutchings, deputy chief medical officer for NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said "planning ahead is important," recommending people stay hydrated and avoid outdoor activity during peak heat.
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The Welsh Ambulance Service declares critical incident
It follows a period of sustained and significant demand
·Wrexham, United Kingdom
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources31
Leaning Left1Leaning Right0Center23Last UpdatedBias Distribution96% Center
Bias Distribution
- 96% of the sources are Center
96% Center
C 96%
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