With the hot weather hitting the county and temperatures expected to rise health bosses say they are a few simple but effective things people can do to keep safe in the sun.

Each year Great Western Ambulance Service attends many incidents where people are suffering from severe sunburn, heat exhaustion and dehydration. There has already been an increase in demand and with the hot spell set to continue here are a few reminders about the best ways to stay safe and enjoy the sunshine.

Paramedic Clinical Advisor for GWAS, Victoria O’Leary said: “One of the best ways to stay healthy during the hot weather is to make sure you keep your fluid levels up. Drinking plenty of water and squash is great for this.

"Try to avoid too much tea, coffee and alcohol as these act as diuretics – removing water from the body by increasing the amount of urine the kidneys produce – so although you are drinking you are not actually increasing your fluid levels.

“People often spend a long time out of the house so remembering to eat regularly is really important. This is especially true if you are drinking alcohol as this can act as an appetite suppressant and without anything lining your stomach the alcohol can have very severe effects.

“Wear a hat, put on plenty of high factor sun cream and wear loose fitting garments as these will help to protect you.

"When possible, especially during the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest, try to stay indoors or in the shade. If you have to be outside make sure you take frequent breaks and regularly apply sun cream.

“Parents of young children need to be very careful as the young can be particularly vulnerable during the hot weather and need to take extra care. Older people can also be more sensitive to the heat.”

This last weekend category A, life-threatening, emergencies were up by 13.5 per cent compared to previous weekends in June. Category A emergencies include problems such as breathing difficulties and chest pains which are conditions that can often be brought on by extreme temperatures.

GWAS also saw an increase in the number of heat related incidents attended. Emergency call handlers received calls reporting: A man in his 40s was suffering from heat exhaustion.

A woman in her 60s had overheated.

A male in his 30s had been taken ill after drinking alcohol and falling asleep in the sun.

A woman in her 20s had become unwell, and was vomiting, with what was thought to be heat stroke.

Mrs O'Leary added: “These situations can be avoided. To make sure you enjoy this great weather, please stop and think before you head out for a day in the sun.”