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Record Calls Flood LAS During UK Heatwave
27 Jun
Summary
- London Ambulance Service declared a critical incident due to extreme heat.
- Call handlers received 8,869 emergency calls in a single day.
- 688 Category 1 emergencies were dispatched, a new daily record.
London Ambulance Service experienced its busiest day ever on Friday, June 25, 2026, as extreme heat gripped the capital. The service declared a critical incident due to overwhelming pressure, receiving 8,869 emergency calls in a single 24-hour period. A record 688 Category 1 emergencies, which include life-threatening conditions, saw ambulances dispatched.
This critical incident, declared between 22:00 and 01:30 on Friday night, June 25, 2026, prompted additional measures to safeguard patient care. Call handlers prioritized responses, with more patients treated over the phone or directed to alternative NHS services. Efforts were made to expedite ambulance handover times at hospitals.
Despite deploying over 400 additional ambulance crews and increasing control room staffing, demand surged beyond capacity. The critical incident has since been stood down, but the service remains extremely busy. Authorities urge the public to stay hydrated and look after one another during the continued warm weather.
