Two octogenarian women faced a terrifying ordeal after becoming trapped in a sweltering hot tub reaching dangerous temperatures of 40°C at a Buckinghamshire retirement community.
The alarming incident unfolded at the upscale McCarthy Stone retirement development in Chesham, prompting a major emergency response on Tuesday afternoon. Fire crews, paramedics, and police all rushed to the scene following desperate calls for assistance.
Emergency crews faced a race against time as the elderly women, weakened by the intense heat and unable to exit the tub independently, were at serious risk of heat exhaustion and dehydration.
Firefighters from Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service executed a careful rescue operation, ultimately deciding to partially drain the scorching water to safely extract both women from their precarious situation.
A spokesperson for the fire service confirmed: "We were called at 3.17pm to an assisted living complex following reports that two people were stuck in a hot tub. Crews from Amersham and Great Missenden attended. Firefighters used small gear to drain some water from the hot tub to help free two elderly women. They were left in the care of South Central Ambulance Service."
South Central Ambulance Service treated both women at the scene for potential heat-related injuries before determining that fortunately, neither required immediate hospitalisation.
The incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols and supervision at retirement facilities, particularly regarding the use of recreational amenities by elderly residents.
McCarthy Stone, the developer operating the retirement village, has launched a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the distressing incident, emphasising their commitment to resident welfare and safety.
