Ambulance services across England experienced extraordinary demand during a record-breaking heatwave in June, according to data obtained through freedom-of-information requests. Temperatures in parts of the country exceeded 37 degrees Celsius, prompting authorities to declare only the second ever “red” extreme heat warning. The period of 23-27 June saw particularly intense strain on emergency services, with four of the ten NHS ambulance trusts, including London’s service, responding to unprecedented numbers of life-threatening emergencies on at least one day during that window.
Two additional ambulance services, located in the south-west and east of England, recorded their highest volumes of 999 calls in their operational histories. The data reveals that demand during the heatwave exceeded levels typically seen during winter months in previous years and even surpassed peak demand during the Covid-19 pandemic for many services. On 26 June, the busiest day of the heatwave, ambulances across England responded to 4,084 life-threatening emergencies, compared with an average daily volume of approximately 2,500 during summer months.
Extreme heat significantly increases risks associated with numerous serious health conditions, including heart disease and respiratory problems. Vulnerable populations such as older people, young children, and pregnant individuals face heightened susceptibility to heat-related illnesses. Researchers estimated that heat-related deaths across the UK during the summer reached nearly 3,000. The data demonstrates an emerging pattern wherein extremely hot days are beginning to rival or even exceed cold weather days as the busiest periods for ambulance services, reversing traditional seasonal patterns.
Ambulance workers faced additional pressures during the period, with union representatives noting that crews operated under challenging conditions including inadequate vehicle cooling systems while managing increased call volumes. The overall trend of growing ambulance demand, driven by factors such as an aging population and rising prevalence of complex health conditions, means that most record-busy days for services have occurred in the 2020s. Looking beyond the heatwave event, 2026 is tracking toward becoming a record year for ambulance demand nationally.
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