400 new staff are needed in 999 crisis

The London Ambulance Service desperately needs to recruit an extra 400 paramedics to cope with a massive increase in the number of 999 calls.

Wendy Foers, LAS human resources director, said: "Over the last eight years we have seen the number of emergency calls in London increase by 50 per cent. However, the number of ambulance crews has not increased at the same rate."

The huge surge in the number of emergency calls has partly been caused by people dialling the 999 emergency service when they do not need it.

Independent research revealed that 30 per cent of those living in London said they would call 999 if they could not get a GP appointment, compared with 16 per cent in other cities. The findings sparked a campaign to prevent unnecessary 999 calls.

When fully qualified, ambulance staff can earn up to £22,000 a year. Applicants need to be over 21 years of age, physically fit and hold a full driving licence.