A new survey about people’s views of the London Ambulance Service released today, shows younger Londoners over-rely on ambulances because they can’t access other services.
The poll was carried out as part of the London Assembly Health Committee’s investigation into the future of the London Ambulance Service.
Main survey results:
- Almost a quarter (23%) of 18-24 year-olds would call an ambulance because they couldn’t get an urgent GP appointment - for over 65s this was six per cent.
- More than half of 18-24 year-olds would call an ambulance in a non-emergency situation because they have no other way to get someone to hospital.
- One in three Londoners and half of millennials would call an ambulance because they didn’t know what else to do.
- While over 90% of people think the ambulance service should only be used in emergencies, one in 10 Londoners would call an ambulance because their child got their hand stuck in a jam jar!
Dr Onkar Sahota AM, Chair of the Health Committee said:“It’s worrying that younger people feel that sometimes that don’t have any other option but to call an ambulance.
“Paramedics are highly skilled professionals providing a first line of treatment to those most in need of urgent healthcare.
“We need to ensure that all people, of whatever age know the various ways to get health care.
“Sadly, the 999 system can be abused by those with spurious issues but it also has to cover for problems in other parts of the healthcare system. We all need to work together to make the best use of our precious ambulance service resources.”
London Ambulance Service chief executive Garrett Emmerson said:
“The latest poll of Londoners shows we need to remind people, of all ages to use us wisely and only call 999 in a genuine emergency.
“We are delighted that the survey shows that the overwhelming majority of Londoners have confidence in us and think our staff do an excellent job. It’s fantastic their dedication and hard work - which we see every day -has received this recognition from the public.”
Related documents
London Ambulance Service survey
Ambulance service survey findings
Notes to editors
- The London Ambulance Service is the busiest ambulance service in the country. In 2017/18, it handled over 1.9 million emergency calls from across London and attended more than 1.2 million incidents.
- Londoners are divided as to whether the Mayor should oversee the ambulance service in the same way he oversees the Met and the London Fire Brigade. 49 per cent of people think he should, with 17 per cent disagreeing and the remainder unsure.
- Polling firm Populus carried out the representative survey of Londoners’ views.
- The full survey is attached.
- Onkar Sahota AM, Chairman of the Health Committee, is available for interview – see contact details below.
- London Assembly Health Committee
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
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