Hundreds of 999 calls each summer could be avoided completely with some planning and care, according to the latest appeal by the region's ambulance service.

During June to August 2014, the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) attended:

• 4,139 RTCs

• 95 incidents involving patients in water

• 107 patients who had been exposed to the heat

• seven incidents involving BBQ burns and smoke inhalation.

Gary Morgan, Head of Emergency Operation Control Centres at the Trust, said most of these were avoidable if people took time to plan ahead properly and also take better care when out enjoying themselves.

He said: “We want families to think about how they’re going to stay safe in the summer as they spend more time together at home or on holiday.

"Children will be out making the most of the school break, and so a reminder to them about road safety, what to do in an emergency, and some basic first aid could really help them think about prevention and care a bit more than they normally might.

“Don’t forget friends and loved ones who you look after will need some extra care – check they’ve got a hat if they need to go outdoors, have drunk enough fluids like water and juice, and are taking precautions if you’re not with them.”

Users of Twitter can follow #999summer for all of the Trust’s messages and other tips for having a safe summer include the following:

• Keep hydrated with plenty of cold fluids like water and juice, avoiding coffee and alcohol

• Avoid the sun at its hottest part of the day, use shade where possible, and apply sun cream regularly

• When using a barbecue, make sure all the food is cooked thoroughly and protect yourself and others from the flames

• Do not use barbecues indoors or enclosed spaces such as tents

• Only enter areas of open water which is supervised as it’s very easy to get into difficulty

• Be careful about exercising vigorously in hot weather

Gary added: “People should use 999 in an emergency, such as a cardiac arrest, serious injuries with loss of blood, if someone has stroke signs, and so on.

"If you or someone you’re with isn’t in a serious condition but need treatment or advice, think about seeing your GP, pharmacist or using 111.”

Not sure when to call 999?

You should ALWAYS call 999 in the event of one of these emergencies.

Don’t ever let a serious condition get worse:

• Cardiac arrest/collapse/unconsciousness

• Heart attack (pains through the left arm, shortness of breath, clammy etc.)

• Stroke

• Convulsions or fitting

• Serious injury leading to severe loss of blood, fractures etc.

• Severe burns or scalds

• Choking • Drowning

• Severe allergic reactions