The London Ambulance Service (LAS) received 7,751 999 calls on Monday, the highest number since New Year's Eve 2021, when London experienced a wave of Covid1. The service said the number of patients with difficulty breathing more than doubled compared with Monday the previous week1. It announced the figures on 13 June 2023, the day after the surge1.
LAS said a combination of warm weather, thunderstorms, high pollen count and other air pollution had seen growing numbers of people fainting or suffering with breathing difficulties and dehydration1. With weather conditions set to continue for several days, it moved to its highest level of response, maximising the numbers of staff on the road and in control rooms, and working with NHS partners and hospitals so that ambulances are released quickly from hospitals to reach more people in the community1.
"On Monday we received 7,751 999 calls, the highest number since New Year’s Eve 2021 when London experienced a wave of Covid."
Dr Fenella Wrigley, LAS Chief Medical Officer, said the service was facing demand not seen since the Christmas 2021/22 peak of the pandemic, and that some people were waiting longer for help1. She called on Londoners to call 999 only in a life-threatening emergency and to consider using their GP and NHS 111 or NHS 111 online1.
The service set out hot weather guidance, including avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV rays are at their strongest, sticking to shade and wearing sun cream1. It advised drinking plenty of water and carrying a bottle when heading out, closing curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler, avoiding excess alcohol, dressing appropriately for the weather and slowing down when it is hot1. People catching a train or the tube should carry a bottle of water and step off at the next station if they feel unwell, it said1.
Why it matters for households
The pressure fell on London's 999 service during a spell of hot weather that LAS expected to continue for several days from 13 June 20231. LAS said older people, the very young and people with pre-existing conditions are more at risk in hot weather, and asked the public to look out for neighbours, family or friends who may need help and to make sure they are able to keep cool during the heatwave1. For anyone in the capital needing urgent medical help that is not life-threatening, the service pointed to GP services and NHS 111 or NHS 111 online as alternatives to 9991. The health emergencies hub covers planning for health incidents and periods of extra demand on services.
What happens next
LAS said weather conditions were set to continue for several days and that it would keep staffing at its highest level of response in that period1. No end date for the elevated response level has been reported1.
