As warmer weather and the school holidays approach, the North
NEAS has launched a summer safety campaign featuring real stories and advice from paramedics, emergency call handlers, specialist paramedics and Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) colleagues. The campaign aims to raise awareness of seasonal risks and educate children, teenagers and young people about making safer choices.
Every summer, ambulance crews respond to preventable emergencies linked to hot weather, open water and outdoor activities, including cycling and the use of scooters and other wheeled transport.
New figures highlight the scale of demand across the North East between June and September 2025. During that period, NEAS responded to:
- 1,105 bike-related incidents, including 343 in August alone
- 443 heat-related incidents, with July figures more than doubling compared to July 2024 (169 in July 2025 compared to 76 in 2024)
- 7 water-related incidents, which can rapidly become life-threatening through accidental drowning, cold-water shock and people getting into difficulty in the water
Compared to 2024, bike-related incidents increased across the summer months, while heat-related incidents rose sharply during periods of hot weather.
Stu Holliday, Strategic Head of EPRR (Emergency Preparedness, Resilience and Response), said: "Every summer, we see an increase in incidents linked to hot weather, open water and outdoor activities. Many of the emergencies we attend could be prevented through greater awareness and a few simple precautions.
"The impact of summer weather is already being felt across our region. In June 2026 alone, NEAS responded to 329 bike-related incidents, 205 heat-related incidents and four water-related incidents.
“We work closely with our partners HM Coastguard, RNLI, fire and rescue services, police, mountain rescue teams, Great North Air Ambulance Service (GNAAS) and local hospital trusts to keep communities safe across the region, but it’s important that the public consider what they can do too.
"That's why we're launching this campaign, to help people make informed choices, stay safe and enjoy the summer. A key focus is helping young people understand the risks and make safer choices that could prevent serious injuries and save lives.”
Hot weather
High temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, dehydration and worsening of existing health conditions. Children, older people and those with long-term illnesses can be particularly vulnerable.
Stephanie McIntyre, paramedic, said: "During hot weather, we regularly attend people who are unwell due to heat exhaustion and dehydration, and many are surprised by how quickly it can happen.
"Simple steps such as drinking plenty of water, taking breaks in the shade and avoiding activity during the hottest part of the day can make a real difference.
"It's also important to recognise the signs of heat stroke, which is a life-threatening emergency. If someone becomes confused, collapses, or has a very high temperature, call 999 immediately."
Barisuka Johnson, clinician, added: "Hot weather can affect anyone, but older people, young children and those with long-term health conditions are often at greater risk.
"Having essentials such as water, sunscreen and basic first aid supplies available at home and in your car can help you deal with minor issues before they become more serious.
"It's also important to use the right service when you need care. For urgent advice, NHS 111 can help, while 999 should only be used in a life-threatening emergency."
Water safety
Water safety is a key focus of the campaign as more people visit beaches, rivers and lakes during warm weather. While open water can appear safe, it often remains dangerously cold, increasing the risk of cold-water shock, drowning and people finding themselves in difficulty.
HART Team Leader Esme Bellerby said: "On warm days, we see more incidents involving open water. Rivers, lakes and the sea can look safe, but they're often much colder and more dangerous than people realise.
"Sadly, we continue to see tragic incidents across the country, particularly involving younger people getting into difficulty in the water. That's why it's so important that we educate children and teenagers about the risks and help them understand how quickly things can go wrong.
"Think carefully before entering open water, look out for one another and make safer choices and remember to float to live. If someone is in difficulty, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."
Road and bike safety
Road and bike safety is another key focus, with increased numbers of cyclists, e-bike users, scooter riders and motorcyclists on the roads during summer.
Specialist paramedic, Thomas Mortillaro said: "During the summer, we see more serious injuries involving bikes, e-bikes and other wheeled activities. Too often, traumatic head injuries could have been reduced by wearing a helmet.
"What stays with me is the domino effect these incidents can have. Life-changing injuries don't just affect the patient – they have a huge impact on families, friends and the emergency responders involved.
"Whether you're on a bike or behind the wheel, making safe choices on the road and looking out for others can make all the difference."
Top tips this summer
The campaign encourages people to make safer choices, look after themselves and those around them, and reduce the risk of needing emergency care.
The service is urging families to find out more about summer safety advice on the NEAS website: NEAS Summer Safety Advice
Top tips include:
- Avoid being active during the hottest part of the day and take breaks in the shade
- Keep indoor spaces cool
- Drink water regularly
- Check in on older relatives, neighbours and vulnerable people
- Avoid swimming in rivers, lakes and reservoirs
- Wear helmets when cycling and taking part in wheeled activities
Small actions can save lives. By taking simple steps to stay safe and well this summer, you can help ensure ambulances are available for those who need them most.