London Ambulance Service has recorded the busiest day in its history.
On Friday (June 26) a total of 8,869 emergency 999 calls were taken, with more than 500 calls per hour between 6pm and midnight.
The record-breaking demand also included 688 Category 1 emergencies—life-threatening incidents involving patients in cardiac arrest or who had stopped breathing. This level of demand exceeded that seen during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent May heatwave.
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Craig Harman, chief operating officer at London Ambulance Service, said: “I couldn’t be prouder of our staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly through the hottest days of the year and the busiest period in our history to continue to provide Londoners with care and compassion.
“Despite bringing in more than 400 additional ambulance crews and increasing staffing across our 999 and 111 control rooms, demand has remained exceptionally high this week.
“We have now stood down the critical incident but remain very busy. If you’re enjoying the sunshine or cheering on England this evening, please stay hydrated, drink responsibly and look after each other. And only call 999 if it is a life-threatening emergency.”
A critical incident was declared from 10pm to 1.30am to help manage the surge in demand and has since been stood down.
The declaration allowed the service to put additional measures in place to protect patient safety. These included treating more patients over the phone or directing them to other NHS services.
The ambulance service also worked with hospitals across London to speed up ambulance handovers, ensuring crews could get back on the road more quickly.
With temperatures expected to remain high and England playing a World Cup match tonight, the service is urging Londoners to stay safe during the heat and celebrations.
People are advised to stay hydrated, drink responsibly, and look out for one another. The service is also reminding the public to use 999 only for life-threatening emergencies.
Those needing urgent medical advice are encouraged to use NHS 111 online, contact their GP, or visit their local pharmacy. This will help ensure that ambulance crews remain available for those with the most serious medical needs.