East Ambulance service records busiest week since 2017 as heatwave drives surge in 999 calls
They're expecting pressure to continue as the weather remains hot
The East of England Ambulance Service recorded its busiest week for emergency calls since comparable records began in 2017, as the recent heatwave and ongoing hospital pressures placed unprecedented demand on crews across the region.
New figures from the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) show calls to its Emergency Operations Centre rose by an average of 1,065 a day during the week beginning 22 June, a 26.4 per cent increase on the June 2025 daily average.
The Trust also responded to an average of 332 life-threatening Category 1 emergencies every day, 61 more than the June 2025 average, an increase of 22.5 per cent.
Its busiest day came on Friday 26 June, when crews responded to 416 Category 1 incidents, 145 more than the June 2025 daily average.
Across the week, ambulance crews also attended an average of 374 more incidents each day, while face-to-face responses increased by an average of 172 patients a day compared with the same period last year.
In response to the sustained pressure, EEAST deployed an additional 100 ambulance crews across the East of England before moving to REAP (Resource Escalation Action Plan) Level 4 – the highest level of operational escalation.
The Trust said the combination of exceptionally hot weather and continued delays in transferring patients into the hospital had significantly reduced ambulance availability.
Demand usually only seen in winter
Speaking to us, EEAST's Chief Operating Officer Darren Meads said demand had increased by around 24 per cent during the recent hot weather.
He said the level of activity was comparable to the busiest periods usually experienced during winter.
"It's very unusual for us to see this level of demand at this time of year," he said.
Mr Meads said the Trust had increased staffing in anticipation of the heatwave, but sustained demand and delays outside hospitals meant further action was needed to protect patients most at risk.
What REAP Level 4 means
REAP Level 4 allows the ambulance service to introduce additional measures to maximise frontline capacity.
Where it is clinically appropriate, some patients may be advised to make their own way to hospital or use alternative NHS services, allowing ambulances to remain available for patients with life-threatening conditions.
Mr Meads said around half of all 999 calls are not for life-threatening emergencies, while fewer than half of patients seen by ambulance crews ultimately require transport to hospital.
He urged people to consider alternatives such as NHS 111, GP practices or community pharmacies where appropriate.
"If you have a genuine medical emergency, we will respond," he said. "But there are a larger proportion of people who would be better served by accessing other healthcare pathways."
Public urged to stay safe during hot weather
With high temperatures forecast to continue, the ambulance service is encouraging people to stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day and regularly check on elderly or vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.
Mr Meads also urged people to take care around open water, warning that rivers and lakes can pose hidden dangers despite the hot weather.
In a statement, EEAST Chief Operating Officer Darren Meads said:
"The recent period of hot weather has led to a significant and sustained increase in demand for our services, alongside continuing pressures across the wider healthcare system.
"Moving to REAP Level 4 allows us to implement additional measures to help manage this demand and ensure we continue to prioritise patients who need us most urgently."
He added that patients with less urgent conditions may experience longer waits or be directed to alternative NHS services while crews prioritise life-threatening emergencies.