London Ambulance Service has moved to its highest level of escalation ahead of England's quarter final against Norway on Saturday, the trust announced on 10 July. It said the move means more resources will be available to care for Londoners over the weekend1.
The service said June's heatwave led to a record 53,342 calls to 999 during the week of 22 to 28 June, and that it also recorded its highest number of Category 1 incidents, involving the most seriously ill patients, including those in cardiac arrest or who had stopped breathing1. It said that when England played Spain in the Euro 2024 final, demand was nearly 30% higher compared to a usual Sunday evening, and that during major international tournaments it typically sees an increase in 999 calls, particularly at weekends and during heatwaves, as Londoners gather in fan zones and pubs1.
Emergency call handler Asha Patel said the recent heatwave brought a heavy load: "I took 90 calls on the Friday and 93 calls on Saturday. I have never gone above 60 calls on a 12-hour shift." She said people drinking alcohol were responding badly because of dehydration1. Call handler Marcus Donnelly said people with underlying health conditions were really struggling1.
Director of Ambulance Operations Darren Farmer said:
"We see alcohol-related incidents around the England games, which includes people passing out, injuring themselves and becoming violently unwell. These incidents are entirely avoidable, but they take up our crew’s vital time and could cause delays for someone who has a life-threatening condition."
The service advised people to stay hydrated, to drink alcohol in moderation if drinking, and to stay out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day. It said people should consider NHS 111 online, a local pharmacy or their GP for non-emergency medical advice, and should call 999 if someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk1. Farmer said it was going to be hot on Saturday and that heat and alcohol do not mix well, especially with the tension of an England match1.
Why it matters for households
The escalation covers London over the quarter final weekend, when the service expects demand to rise from heat, drinking and match tension together1. The practical effect set out by the trust is more resources on duty to answer calls and care for patients1. Its stated concern is that avoidable alcohol-related incidents take up crew time and could delay responses to life-threatening conditions1. The service's advice for the weekend is to stay hydrated, moderate alcohol intake and avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day, and to use NHS 111 online, a pharmacy or a GP for non-emergency advice1. The trust has not reported any change to services for households outside London.
What happens next
England play Norway in the quarter final on Saturday1. The service has not said when the escalation level will be reviewed or lowered. For information on how to keep up with official warnings and service updates, see the staying informed hub.
