SUMMER has arrived in Britain and while people enjoy the sunshine the heat is certain to be on for emergency medics.

West Midlands Ambulance Service says it is expecting an increased number of calls as temperatures hit 30 degrees.

Extremely hot weather can cause problems for people with breathing difficulties, who are being advised to stay inside during the hottest times of the day.

WMAS Medical Director, Dr Andrew Carson, said: “A prolonged heatwave poses a real danger to those patients with emphysema, asthma and long term breathing problems.

“The hot weather makes breathing difficult even for healthy individuals. That’s why we suggest people with respiratory illnesses should remain indoors as much as possible.

“It is vital that we get to these patients as quickly as possible and would therefore ask the public to assist us by only calling 999 in life threatening situations.”

During hot weather people should apply 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.

People are also advised to drink plenty of fluid but avoid alcohol and caffeine which can cause dehydration.

Anyone who wants to cool down is urged to go to a supervised swimming pool and not take a dip in open water like lakes or disused quarries.