The London Ambulance Service has issued an urgent plea to the public, asking people to reserve the 999 emergency line for genuine life-threatening situations only. This comes after the service experienced an unprecedented surge in calls, with volumes over the last two days matching those typically seen on New Year's Eve.
Unprecedented Call Volumes Strain Services
On Thursday, the LAS received 7,356 emergency calls, followed by 7,608 on Friday. These figures starkly contrast with the roughly 5,500 calls handled on a standard busy day. Strategic Commander Laurence Cowderoy described the situation as "challenging," noting it was making it difficult for crews to reach those in need swiftly.
Mr Cowderoy confirmed the scale of the increase, stating: "We are currently extremely busy and for the last two days have received the number of 999 calls more typically seen on New Year's Eve, and 20% higher than this time last week." He warned that the weekend ahead looked set to be just as demanding for paramedics and call handlers.
Rising Illnesses and Alternative Help Routes
The service has identified a significant rise in calls related to falls and breathing difficulties, linked to increasing rates of viral infections and respiratory illnesses like colds and flu. This has also placed immense pressure on the non-emergency NHS 111 service, which is fielding a high volume of queries about these seasonal ailments.
In response, the LAS is directing Londoners towards more appropriate services for non-life-threatening issues. Mr Cowderoy emphasised: "For urgent but less serious medical needs, please consider using your pharmacy, GP, or NHS 111 online to get advice or treatment."
How Londoners Can Help This Weekend
The ambulance service, which has been preparing for winter for months with NHS partners, is now calling for public cooperation. Key advice includes:
- Use 999 only for a life-threatening emergency, such as cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, or unconsciousness.
- Contact a local pharmacy for advice on most cold and flu symptoms, as these are often viral.
- Use the NHS 111 online service first for urgent medical advice, rather than calling.
- For repeat prescriptions, contact your GP practice unless it is immediately critical.
"Now it has arrived, I'm asking all Londoners this weekend to help us by only calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency," Mr Cowderoy concluded, as services work to manage the intense winter demand.
