London Ambulance Service Cracks Under Call Surge
London’s Ambulance Service has declared a rare ‘business continuity incident’ after being slammed with an overwhelming flood of 999 and 111 calls. This Monday evening, over 500 emergency calls are left unanswered as paramedics scramble to attend to more than 200 life-threatening cases.
Demand Outstrips Ambulance Capacity Amid Icy Weather
The spike in calls, combined with freezing conditions and hospital delays across London, has pushed the service beyond its limits. A source revealed that no ambulances are currently available to respond to hundreds of urgent calls, forcing the emergency service to take drastic action.
“It’s rare that we declare a business continuity incident and we do not take the decision lightly. Extreme weather, coupled with a high call volume focused on falls and breathing issues, has limited our capacity to respond safely and timely.”
LAS Pleads with Public to Use NHS111 for Non-Emergencies
A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said:
“We have declared a ‘business continuity incident’ due to the high demand across our 999 and 111 services. In recent days, we have been taking up to 7,000 999 calls every day compared to a pre-pandemic busy day of 5,500 calls.
We are doing everything we can to prioritise our sickest and most severely injured patients and would like to remind the public that if they need urgent medical advice that does not require an emergency ambulance, to go to NHS111 online or call 111 for advice and support.”
Business Continuity: Keeping Ambulance Services Running Against the Odds
Business continuity means London Ambulance Service is activating special measures to keep operations running despite the crisis. The aim: ensure resilience so crews can reach patients as quickly as possible, no matter what challenges arise.
With icy roads and hospitals overwhelmed, Londoners are urged to reserve 999 for life-threatening emergencies only, and use NHS111 for other urgent medical needs.
