Hot weather advice from South Central Ambulance Service

People are urged to wear sunscreen and drink responsibly

An ambulance service covering central southern England is urging people to take precautions during hot weather over the Easter weekend.

It advises people to wear sunscreen, drink responsibly, allow extra time for road journeys and to take prescription medication on travels.

It said people should only dial 999 if suffering a life-threatening emergency.

South Central Ambulance Service covers Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Hampshire.

'Demand increasing'

A spokesperson said: "South Central Ambulance Service NHS Trust (SCAS) is preparing for a traditionally busy bank holiday period.

"With Easter, the royal wedding and May Day holidays all happening over the next couple of weeks and demand for the service increasing by around 5% per annum, SCAS is asking members of the public to take a few common sense precautions and to act responsibly to help ensure you enjoy the holidays.

"Remember, if ambulance crews are called out to those people suffering from minor illnesses they cannot get to those people who really do need their help."

People not suffering from a life-threatening emergency who need medical help or advice should contact NHS Direct, their out of hours GP service, or attend a local walk-in centre or pharmacy.