“Only Call 999 In A Life-Threatening Emergency”: London Ambulance Service Faces Busiest Day Since Pandemic“Only call 999 in a life-threatening emergency”: London Ambulance Services faces busiest day since the pandemicParamedics at London Ambulance Service are urging Londoners to only call 999 in life-threatening emergencies as 999 calls reach levels last seen during the peak of the pandemic.
Call handlers received 8,121 999 calls yesterday (Tuesday 26 May) as the capital continues to face soaring temperatures – an increase of 38 percent compared to 5,874 calls on the Tuesday the week before.
On Monday, crews at the UK’s busiest ambulance service also attended the highest number of patients out on the road since the start of 2026.
Alison Blakely, Deputy Chief Paramedic at London Ambulance Service, said:
“We continue to be extremely busy with yesterday being our busiest day since the height of the pandemic. It was our sixth busiest day ever, and we saw record numbers of calls from 2pm until midnight.
“We want people to enjoy the weather but please take steps to look after yourselves and others around you.
“As the weather is set to stay hot for the rest of the week, our message to the public is to stay safe in the heat, drink plenty of fluids, avoid excess alcohol, stay out of the sun between 11am-3pm and check in on those who are vulnerable, including those over 65, young children and those with pre-existing health conditions.
“Hot weather can have a significant impact on people’s health, and we have seen an increase in calls relating to difficulty in breathing, dizziness and fainting, as well as more calls relating to chest pains and heart problems.
“During the soaring temperatures we often see calls related to respiratory illnesses and cardiac-related calls are common in the days following a heatwave.
“Sometimes people start to feel ill a few days after the hot weather so please continue to look after yourself and others.
“Londoners can help us by only calling 999 in a life-threatening emergency and consider using their GP and NHS 111 or NHS 111 online.”
Older people, the very young and people with pre-existing conditions are more at risk in hot weather so please look out for neighbours, family or friends who may need some help and make sure they are able to keep cool during the heat.
The Service has activated its plans – known as REAP 4 – to ensure the best possible care for patients, particularly during times of sustained demand.
This includes maximising other forms of care such as community response cars, having more clinicians working to assess patients over the phone, and working with hospitals to ensure patients are handed over more quickly.
For more information, visit: www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/.
