EMERGENCY services across Oxfordshire have issued a joint warning of when to dial 999 ahead of the heatwave over the coming days.

A red warning for extreme heat has been issued by the Met Office for Monday and Tuesday, with temperatures forecast to hit 36 degrees.

To reduce demand on blue light services, people are advised to only dial 999 in emergency situations, which includes when a life is in danger or a crime is happening.

The elderly, young children and babies, and those with underlying health conditions should be looked out for during the hot weather.

The emergency services have also warned to ‘drink plenty of water, stay in shaded areas, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot’.

Closing curtains on rooms that face the sun will keep indoor spaces cooler, too.

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Deputy Chief Constable Jason Hogg, chair of the Thames Valley Local Resilience Forum said: “As temperatures increase across the Thames Valley, so will calls to 999.

“We are working closely with our fire, ambulance, health and local authority partners to prepare for the challenges that heat brings, and to keep our communities safe.

“With the expected heat warning over the coming days, we are expected to see an increase in individuals contacting the police, sometimes for matters we cannot help with.

“To speak to the police about anything that is not an emergency and where you do not need to speak to someone at that moment in time, please contact us online.

“This will help keep our 101 service for those who need to speak to someone and help preserve 999 as an emergency line if a crime is happening now or life or property is at immediate risk.”

Paul Jefferies, assistant director of operations at South Central Ambulance Service, said: “Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke which, if not treated quickly, can be very serious.

“We are asking people to follow NHS advice about changing your behaviour to cope better with the expected high temperatures, and therefore prevent avoidable 999 emergencies.

“We continue to prioritise our response to those patients with life-threatening and serious emergencies but, due to current levels of pressure we are seeing, there will be delays in responding to other patients with less urgent needs who are assessed as requiring an ambulance response.

“We are asking patients to help us at this time by seeking alternative treatment or advice via NHS 111 online or by calling 111, using local urgent care centres, or speaking to their GP or pharmacist.

“We are also asking people not to call 999 back to ask about an estimated time unless the patient’s condition has changed. This keeps the line free for someone who may need urgent assistance.”

Oxford Mail: An ambulance in Cowley Road. Picture: Jon LewisAn ambulance in Cowley Road. Picture: Jon Lewis (Image: Newsquest)

Deb Forder, home and community safety manager at Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Oxfordshire Fire and Rescue Service urges people to be safe and vigilant to signs of fire during this period of extreme heat. 

“We also encourage communities to not be tempted to take a dip in rivers, lakes or canals. Even when it feels warm, the water, particularly when it’s deep, will still be cold enough to cause cold water shock, which can incapacitate even the most capable swimmers. 

“Any stretch of water, still or flowing, has the capability for someone to drown. Please remain vigilant during the current heatwave.”

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This story was written by Liam Rice, he joined the team in 2019 as a multimedia reporter.

Liam covers politics, travel and transport. He occasionally covers Oxford United.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Liam.rice@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter @OxMailLiamRice