Local ambulance chiefs have issued advice for anyone taking advantage of the forecast heatwave.

With high temperatures being forecast for this weekend, West Midlands Ambulance Service are urging to public to take a few extra precautions to stay safe in the sun.

Steve Wheaton, WMAS Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, said: “Historically, when the weather is good, there is greater demand on both the ambulance service and the NHS as a whole, particularly to alcohol-related incidents and conditions that can be exacerbated by heat changes such as respiratory and cardiac complaints.

“To ensure that no one’s fun is spoilt this weekend, the service is urging the public to follow a few simple steps:

• If the temperatures do rise and you are out in the sun make sure you slap on plenty of sun cream, wear a hat and light, loose fitting cotton clothes. Avoid being out between 11am and 3pm, which is the hottest part of the day.
• Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to keep yourself hydrated. Remember, caffeine and alcohol can have the opposite effect and can actually dehydrate you.
• If a barbecue is on the cards for this weekend, please ensure that it is lit safely and in the correct manner. Avoid burn injuries by using the correct utensils and don’t let children play too closely to the hot barbecue. Lastly, please make sure that all food is cooked through properly to avoid any food poisoning incidents.
• Fancy a swim? Then please do so in a supervised swimming pool. No matter how tempting it is to cool off in rivers and lakes, this is very dangerous!
• If you’re taking advantage of the sunshine and going out for a walk or hike in the countryside, please make sure you wear the appropriate footwear to avoid any slips or trips.
• If you’re planning on hitting the road for a trip away, make sure you’re prepared for your journey, take food and drinks and remember to break the journey up. If driving in residential areas, please watch out for ice cream vans and any children that may distracted around them.

We would also ask bikers to be careful and wear appropriate safety clothing. Equally we ask car drivers to look out for bikers, as the number of these on the road will be significantly higher if the weather is good.”