PARAMEDICS in the sky and on land have experienced soaring workloads as the heatwave peaks in South Wales.
Temperatures again hit the high 20s in the shade yesterday.
Wales Air Ambulance (WAA) flew 113 missions during the first two weeks of July, compared to 61 in the same period last year.
WAA paramedic and operations manager Jason Williams said: "We've seen a huge increase in outdoor incidents, including on beaches, mountains and caravan parks.
"The summer months are traditionally the busiest season for us, but the sunshine this month has definitely sent our missions soaring.
"It can get very intensive, but this is exactly what we are here for."
The Welsh Ambulance Service (WAS) has also been dealing with a call-out surge.
Across Wales there was a nine per cent increase last weekend against forecast activity, with 1,068 emergency calls last Saturday and 1,028 on Sunday.
Health chiefs have reiterated that heat can seriously harm older people, babies and children, people with mental health problems, chronic conditions and those on certain medication.
Health complaints include breathing difficulties and chest pains, as well as alcohol-related injuries. Chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, can also be exacerbated.
Andrew Jenkins, WAS deputy director of medical and clinical services, said: "In a severe heatwave you may get dehydrated and your body may overheat, leading to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.
"For people with certain conditions, the consequences can be severe or potentially fatal.
"The last thing we want to do is stop people enjoying the weather, but we must ask everyone to use common sense and not put themselves and others at risk."
Temperatures are set to drop to 25C in Swansea today and remain thereabouts, with the chance of showers on Monday and Tuesday.
