London sees record number of life-threatening 999 ambulance calls

December saw the highest number of 999 calls about the most serious, life-threatening conditions than in any other month in London Ambulance Service’s (LAS) history, according to new figures.

Data shows about 16,000 category-one calls, which include cardiac arrests and serious injuries, were made.

Several factors contributed to the high emergency call volumes, an LAS spokesperson said, including respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses, cold weather, and festive celebrations.

LAS added although this winter was “extraordinarily challenging”, it was doing all it could to care for Londoners.