Im&t, London Ambulance Service Headquarters

The London Ambulance Service NHS, serving as the mobile arm of the health service in London, is committed to promptly responding to emergency 999 calls. Their primary goal is to provide swift medical assistance to individuals facing serious or life-threatening injuries or illnesses. Despite the urgency of their response, a substantial number of cases involve patients without critical conditions, eliminating the need for ambulance transport with lights and sirens. Many of these individuals can benefit from more suitable care outside the traditional hospital setting. A crucial aspect of their operations is a dedicated commitment to infection prevention and control, with all staff members, particularly those directly engaged with patients, playing an essential role in maintaining a clean and hygienic treatment environment.

In addition to emergency response, they oversee the Emergency Bed Service, a vital system facilitating bed arrangements for seriously-ill patients through collaboration with NHS healthcare professionals. Operating as an emergency service in the capital, they prioritize preparedness for large-scale incidents. During major incidents, the London Ambulance Service collaborates closely with other emergency services and organizations in the city to effectively save lives. Their responsibilities encompass alerting hospitals, establishing on-scene systems for prioritizing and treating patients, providing initial care and stabilization for the injured, and transporting patients requiring further treatment to hospitals. Regular testing of their major incident plan, often in coordination with other agencies, ensures their ongoing readiness. Clearly defined in the Major Incident Procedure Manual by the London Emergency Services Liaison Panel, the roles of each emergency service during major incidents and the support provided by local authorities are outlined.