Ambulance crews could face delays in responding to 999 calls during heatwaves under proposals from the union Unison, which is calling for maximum working temperatures to protect emergency workers from conditions deemed harmful to their health. The union argues that NHS trusts need to implement more robust measures to safeguard staff during increasingly frequent hot summers.
Paramedics have reported working in ambulances lacking adequate air conditioning, often with limited access to water and restroom facilities. These challenging conditions have been exacerbated during shifts involving long waits to transfer patients to hospitals, with temperatures frequently exceeding 30 degrees Celsius. Ambulance workers also described feeling physically and mentally drained from extended periods treating patients in uncomfortably hot homes and care facilities, or working under direct sunlight at incident scenes while wearing heavy uniforms.
Unison's demands for NHS trusts include guaranteed hydration and recovery breaks, ensuring access to drinking water, and clear policies for removing vehicles from service if air conditioning systems fail. The union also advocates for seasonal uniform options, such as lighter clothing and sun hats for outdoor duties. The union's stance is supported by the Trades Union Congress, which has previously proposed a legal maximum working temperature of 30 degrees Celsius (27 degrees for strenuous activities).
Sharan Bandesha, national ambulance officer at Unison, stated that while ambulance services have established winter plans, similar preparedness is now necessary for summer. "Extreme heat brings a rise in demand, as more people become seriously unwell and need urgent care," Bandesha noted. "Yet crews are often expected to respond in vehicles with no working air-con, treating patients in overheated properties and care homes, or the back of their searingly hot ambulances."
The union's proposals come as Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper has instructed NHS trusts to prepare for summer surges in demand, similar to winter planning. Cooper highlighted a significant increase in A&E attendances linked to hot weather effects. She urged the public to look out for vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly, during heatwaves. "We’ve had, I think, 2,700 additional deaths because of the heatwave in May and June," Cooper reported, emphasizing the need to take such impacts seriously across communities, not just within hospitals.
The UK Health Security Agency has previously warned that England is on track for a record number of heatwave-related deaths this year. Both May and June saw record-breaking temperatures, with figures reaching above 35.1C and 37C respectively, often accompanied by high humidity. Unison acknowledges that elderly patients are particularly susceptible to dehydration and heat-related illnesses during these periods.