The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has faced unprecedented pressure since the start of the COVID-19.
A busy day used to see their 999 control room teams take around 5,500 calls. Since Spring this year, this has risen to an average of over 6,000 calls and has occasionally been over 7,000 in a 24 hour period.
As we approach what is expected to be a busy winter, the LAS are encouraging Londoners to use their services efficiently to allow them to help as many people as possible. They have therefore given the following advice –
- To help them reach patients quickly, call 999 if it’s a serious medical emergency.
- For urgent medical help when it’s not an emergency, go to NHS111 online first.
- If your medical concern is urgent – but you don’t need an emergency ambulance – you can also use the 111 phone service and you will get the support you need.
If you no longer need an ambulance or you can make your own way to hospital, please call them back on 999 to let them know. Their crews can then be redirected to another patient who needs them.
