London Ambulance Service has recorded the most life-threatening emergencies in a single day in its history, driven by extreme heat. The service responded to a record 642 category one calls on Wednesday, surpassing any previous daily total.
What Are Category One Calls?
Category one calls include the most serious, life-threatening injuries and illnesses, such as cardiac arrests and patients who are not breathing. These require an immediate emergency response.
Chief Executive's Statement
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. Please help them to help you by taking care of yourself and others – stay out of the sun and keep hydrated.”
Record-Breaking Day for Calls
Wednesday was also the fifth busiest day in the service’s history, with 7,900 calls in total. Ambulance crews responded to nearly 3,600 patients in a single day, highlighting the immense pressure on emergency services during the heatwave.
The London Ambulance Service urges the public to stay out of the sun, keep hydrated, and take precautions to avoid heat-related illnesses, which can quickly become life-threatening.
