London Ambulance Service sees busiest day since pandemic with roughly one emergency call every 11 seconds

Health chiefs have urged Londoners to only call 999 in an emergency after paramedics experience their busiest day since the pandemic.

Call handlers for the London Ambulance Service received 8,121 emergency calls on Tuesday, around five every minute or one every 11 seconds, marking a 38 per cent increase on the 5,874 calls recorded on the same day the previous week.

The surge in emergency calls comes as the capital is experiencing soaring temperatures, with crowds flocking outdoors to enjoy the hot weather.

London endured scorching conditions over the Bank Holiday weekend, with temperatures peaking at a record-breaking 35.1C on Monday.

But the heatwave has pushed emergency services to the limit, with the London Ambulance Service attending the highest number of patients on the road so far this year.

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.”

The extreme heat has had a serious impact on public health, with paramedics responding to a rise in incidents involving breathing difficulties, dizziness and fainting, alongside chest pains and heart-related problems.

A UKHSA amber heat health alert remains in place until 5pm on Thursday.