Critical Care Paramedic, Andy, shares insights into how the crew adapt to extreme temperatures and he offers advice on how to keep cool.
Heatwaves in Devon: your questions answered
As temperatures rise across Devon, the impact is felt not just by those enjoying the sunshine, but by the people responding when things go wrong.
For Devon Air Ambulance crews, extreme heat brings very real challenges. It also highlights something increasingly recognised: the climate crisis is a health crisis, affecting how and when people become unwell or injured.
Here, Critical Care Paramedic, Andy, answers some common questions about how heat affects people, how our crews adapt, and what you can do to stay safe in extreme heat.
Why is very hot weather a concern for health?
Hot weather affects everyone — but not equally.
People become more vulnerable when they are already unwell, dehydrated, or living with long-term conditions. In these situations, the body is often already under strain, and heat can worsen that.
Those most at risk include:
- Older people and young children
- People with chronic or acute illness
- Anyone who is already dehydrated.
At the same time, we typically see more people out and about in good weather, which can increase the likelihood of incidents such as falls or trauma.
What helps?
- Drink regularly and don’t wait until you feel thirsty
- Spend time in shaded or cooler spaces where possible
- Take breaks if you’re active outdoors.
Are babies and young children affected differently?
Yes, babies are particularly vulnerable in hot conditions. They cannot regulate their temperature effectively and can’t tell us when they’re overheating. Simple steps that can make a big difference include:
- Keep babies in the shade as much as possible
- Use a light muslin cloth or breathable layer, rather than heavy blankets
- Allow air to circulate avoiding covering prams tightly.
How does heat affect Devon Air Ambulance crews?
Heat changes the way the crew works, but not our ability to respond. Crew members often need to wear multiple layers of protective clothing, particularly at serious incidents such as road traffic collisions, where high-visibility and fire-retardant gear is essential.
Where it’s safe, they will remove layers, but in many situations, that’s not immediately possible.
Managing body temperature is important, because overheating can affect concentration and decision-making – both critical in emergency care.
Do the aircraft cope differently in hot weather?
Yes — heat affects not just people, but equipment and aircraft too.
Aircraft performance can be influenced by changes in air pressure during very hot weather, and onboard technology – including tablets – can overheat in direct sun, affecting how they function. Even small details, like keeping equipment shaded, become important.
Our crews and pilots monitor these factors and adapt to make sure equipment continues to function optimally.
What about the medical equipment you carry?
Temperature control is critical for patient care. Certain items, including drugs and blood products, must be kept within a strict temperature range (2–25°C) to remain safe and effective. To manage this, equipment is continuously monitored using temperature-recording devices, ice packs and cooling methods are changed regularly, and crews actively manage storage conditions, even at scene.
This is a constant consideration during periods of extreme heat.
How do crews treat patients in very hot conditions?
Care often needs to be adapted. In winter, keeping patients warm is the priority. In extreme heat, the focus may shift towards preventing further overheating. Crews may use light covering only when necessary to preserve dignity, apply cooling techniques, such as wet cloths and airflow, and they might use available water to help bring temperatures down.
Every situation is different, but maintaining a safe body temperature is a key part of treatment.
How do crews manage hydration and fatigue?
Hydration is essential, but easy to overlook in a fast-paced environment. A key point for everyone to keep in mind: by the time you feel symptoms like a headache, you may already be significantly dehydrated.
Crew members are therefore certain to monitor hydration closely, use practical signs like urine colour to assess hydration levels, and take opportunities to drink between callouts.
Behind the scenes, our wider team plays a role too by helping ensure crew stay supported, rested and ready, even during busy periods.
Is rest more difficult in hot weather?
It can be.
Quality sleep is essential for safe and effective response, but high overnight temperatures can make rest more challenging. As with anyone else, crew seek to keep their home environment as cool as possible, use airflow effectively and maintaining consistent routines between shifts.
Colleagues also check in with one another during briefings, helping to maintain overall wellbeing and service resilience.
What can I do to stay safe in extreme heat?
Small actions can make a big difference, such as staying hydrated by carrying water and drinking regularly, seeking shade during the hottest parts of the day, and, crucially, wearing sunscreen and a hat if you’re outdoors.
Be sure to pace yourself, especially when exercising or working outside, and, of course, look out for others, particularly vulnerable people.
If you’re planning to be out for a long time, think ahead and take water with you and know where you can cool down if needed.
Why are we talking about heat more often now?
We signed the Devon Climate Emergency Declaration, which means we recognise that changes in climate are already affecting health and emergency services. Hotter, more frequent periods of extreme weather can:
- Increase pressure on healthcare services
- Change the types of incidents we attend
- Require ongoing adaptation in how we work.
Our crews continually review guidance — including pre-hospital care approaches to heat-related illness — to ensure patients continue to receive the best possible care.
At the same time, reducing risk starts with awareness.
One last thing… Extreme heat might feel manageable, until it isn’t. For our crew, managing these conditions is part of the job. For the public, simple steps can prevent situations from escalating.
Take care of yourself and look out for others.
Pictured above, Andy (right, also centre right) and crew members responding in the current high temperatures.
