EMAS critical incident over hot weather stood down
BBCA critical incident declared by East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) over "additional challenges" caused by "extreme heat" has been stood down.
On Saturday the ambulance service said it was experiencing a "significant increase in demand" alongside ongoing pressure within the wider NHS, leading to the critical incident being declared.
On Monday morning the service formally stood down the critical incident but said it was continuing to see "high levels of demand".
The incident came after June temperature records tumbled and hot weather warnings were issued by the Met Office across swathes of the country.
The service had said it was prioritising the most life-threatening and serious incidents, and asked the public to use NHS services wisely.
On Monday, it said it remained in a Resource Escalation Action Plan (REAP) Level 4, which indicated a "risk of service failure unless immediate action is taken".
Strategic commander Craig Whyles said: "The incredible hard work of our staff, leaders and volunteers, alongside actions from our partners, means that the number of patients awaiting an emergency ambulance response has reduced.
"Thank you to everyone who has worked tirelessly this weekend to manage this pressure.
"EMAS will maintain strong oversight of our performance and activity. We continue to work closely with partners to ensure ambulance crews can respond to patients waiting for an emergency 999 response as quickly as possible."
He urged the public to use NHS 111 or pharmacies, urgent treatment centres and GP services where possible and said: "Members of the public - please use all NHS services wisely. The ambulance service is for life-threatening emergencies."
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