London sees record number of life-threatening 999 calls to emergency services

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December saw more calls for the most serious and life-threatening conditions than any other month in London Ambulance Service (LAS) history, with 999 calls, new figures show.

According to the data, there were about 16,000 Category 1 calls, which include cardiac arrest and serious injuries.

A LAS spokesperson said several factors contributed to the high number of emergency calls, including respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses, cold weather and festival celebrations.

LAS added that it had been an “extremely difficult” winter but that it had done everything in its power to care for Londoners.

Statistics show the service treated more than 500 Category 1 patients most days in December, but only about a quarter of the days in December 2023.

Compared to last year, breathing problems increased by 30% and cardiac arrests increased by 20%.

The numbers also marked the third busiest December in the service's history and the seventh busiest month overall, with call volumes set in line with precedents seen during the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. It also shows that 92% of the demand was reached.

Demand in the first week of January is up 20% compared to the same week in 2024, so there is no sign that the high volume of calls will ease.

EPA

LAS CEO Daniel Herkeles described the winter as an “extremely difficult winter” before saying: “Despite a significant increase in demand to levels last seen during the pandemic, I want to reassure the public that we are doing everything we can to look after London.”

He said LAS had increased staffing in its ambulances, control rooms and vehicles, and treated more patients over the phone.

Staff also worked with 28 emergency departments in London to transport patients to hospital with minimal waiting times.

“Despite these improvements, we know that our response times are not good enough, and we deeply regret that some people waited too long for us to respond. ” he added.

He said work will continue through the winter to provide patients with the “best possible care”.

LAS said it has implemented the following winter plans to deal with the extraordinary demand.

• Increase the number of ambulances and personnel by more than 10%
• Deploy up to 60 additional ambulances during peak hours
• Increase the number of physicians available for telephone triage
• Expanding access to alternative health options
• Strengthening collaboration with hospitals and partners

A LAS spokesperson said the health authority is urging Londoners to use the 999 service judiciously in case of serious medical emergencies.

For urgent but less serious medical needs, people are encouraged to consider alternatives such as GPs and pharmacies, and to use NHS 111 online or by phone.

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