As soon as we have enough information, and we believe you need
immediate medical treatment, we will send help.
We can respond in a number of different ways:
Life-threatening emergencies
In life-threatening emergencies, people often
expect an ambulance with two people to arrive, but you
could also be treated by one of our single
responders who arrive by car, motorcycle or bicycle.
In the most serious emergencies, you could also be treated by a
medical team from the London Air Ambulance. The
medical team on the helicopter includes a doctor and paramedic who
are skilled in treating patients who have serious traumatic
injuries.
If you live in outer areas of London, the first person to arrive
may be a community responder. A community responder
is a member of the public who has been trained to provide
life-saving treatment to people in their local communities while an
ambulance is on the way.
Non-life-threatening emergencies
In a non-life-threatening emergency you may be treated by an
ambulance crew or a single responder who arrives by car, motorcycle or bicycle.
If it is not a life-threatening emergency needing immediate
treatment, one of our clinical telephone advisors may call you or
you may be transferred to an advisor at NHS Direct.
Our advisors, who are medically trained, will ask you further
questions about your condition, or that of the person you are
calling on behalf of. They may provide some medical advice.
However, if they decide treatment is needed, they will arrange for
help to be sent as soon as possible.