Heatwave sparks rise in A&E admissions as 'level 3' health alert issued They need to stay cool, avoid sun burn and keep well hydrated. If they are using a lawnmower or strimmer, then they need to have sturdy footwear and not cut grass in flip-flops. If they are taking part in sports, then they should ensure they are using all the necessary safety gear for their activity, like helmets, for example. Older, frail people were particularly at risk during prolonged hot spells because many were at greater risk of dehydration, he added. "They may have other conditions like diabetes, or be on medication like diuretics, which increase the risk of them becoming dehydrated," he said. We are admitting increased numbers of frail, elderly people who have collapsed and lost consciousness in the heat. We have to admit them to do tests to ensure there is no other reason for them to collapse. A health board spokeswoman said: "Emergency surgery has also been carried out on gardeners who have had severe trauma - including amputations - on feet and toes after accidents with lawn-mowers." After five consecutive days of 30C-plus temperatures, forecasters said Britain was in the midst of its first prolonged heat wave since 2006. The Met Office responded by issuing a "level three heat health watch" for London and the South East and advised "alertness and readiness" for those in the North West and North East. Level three warnings are only one notch below the most serious alerts and are put out when high temperatures place the very young, the very old and those with chronic diseases at risk. Forecasters said that today could again break the record for the warmest day of the year, with temperatures expected to creep up as high as 32C (89.7F) in parts of England. Nor is there any sign of cooler temperatures on the way. Miss Plumb said: "At the moment it looks as though the warm weather is going to stay well into next week at least." Dr Angie Bone, heat wave plan leader for Public Health England, said: "In this continued hot weather, it's important to remember that high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses. During very hot weather, pregnant women and people who have chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal conditions, diabetes or Parkinson's disease, may experience discomfort if indoor temperatures are particularly hot and in using public transport. Employers should ensure indoor areas are kept cool and consider allowing these individuals to travel to or from their place of work during cooler, or less busy, times of the day. For those working or exercising outdoors, strenuous physical exertion during the hottest part of the day should be kept to a minimum. MeteoGroup said average rainfall for England and Wales so far this month was only 15% of the average at 4.9mm, while Thames Water said it had seen a 15% rise in the demand for tap water in London and the Thames Valley. The London Fire Brigade said fire fighters had dealt with twice as many grass fires this summer compared with last year.