London Ambulance Service responded to a record 642 category one calls on Wednesday, June 24, the highest number of life-threatening emergencies in its history. The surge was driven by the extreme heat during the UK's hottest June day.
Record-Breaking Day for Emergencies
The service reported that crews answered 642 category one calls, which include cardiac arrests and patients not breathing. This marked the fifth busiest day overall, with 7,900 total calls and crews attending nearly 3,600 patients.
Chief executive Jason Killens said: "We have seen the highest number of life-threatening emergencies in our history, driven by the extreme heat across London. Our crews are working very hard in challenging conditions to care for patients, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our people for their incredible hard work."
Heatwave Impact and Public Advice
The service attributed the spike to people collapsing, experiencing breathing difficulties, or suffering cardiac issues due to the heat. Killens urged the public: "Please help them to help you by taking care of yourself and others - stay out of the sun and keep hydrated."
London Ambulance Service deployed over 400 extra crews this week and stepped up monitoring of patients awaiting assistance to prioritize the most critically ill. The service warned that patients can deteriorate rapidly in extreme heat, and emergencies may spike even after temperatures drop.
Regional Pressures
South Western Ambulance Service also reported exceptionally high demand, posting on X that it was "currently experiencing exceptionally high demand for our 999 service across the SouthWest." Both services urged the public to only call 999 for genuine emergencies and to use NHS 111 online, pharmacies, or urgent treatment centres for non-life-threatening issues.
