MEDICAL volunteers battled soaring temperatures to care for a number of people who suffered heat-related illnesses at events in East Devon.

MEDICAL volunteers battled soaring temperatures to care for a number of people who suffered heat-related illnesses at events in East Devon.

Unpaid members of St John Ambulance have been busy attending to the needs of people affected by the hot weather since the Met Office issued warnings of a heatwave, last week.

As temperatures are forecast to rise, John Newman, head of operations at St John Ambulance, said extreme heat could be dangerous, particularly for the very young and old.

But, he added: "By being prepared you can spot early warning signs of illness or care for someone who needs your help.

"Heatstroke and exhaustion are the most serious problems to develop when the weather becomes really hot, so it's essential that people can spot the signs.

"It is also useful to know how to cope with ailments like cramp, fainting, sunburn and dehydration, which are common problems, despite many being easy to prevent."

The Exmouth branch of St John Ambulance is hoping to raise �40,000 to help buy a new 4x4 vehicle to be used for front-line medical use.

Palmers Funeral Services in Budleigh Salterton donated �2,414 last week. Ray Pilling, who works for Palmers, said the work of St John Ambulance was vitally important.

He added: "They are a bunch of volunteers who back and support the main ambulance service.

"To keep up their front-line medical service, they need a new 4x4 because the current one is getting old.

"Luckily enough, Palmers have decided to agree to hand over this money to help them."

The Journal has launched a 'help us help you' campaign to help the division reach the target.

If you would like to donate money to help Exmouth's St John Ambulance reach the �40,000 target, contact Stuart Brown on (01395) 446708.