Cycle team helps London Ambulance Service race ahead in health awards

London Ambulance Service has been shortlisted for a prestigious award for the pioneering efforts of its cycle team to cut carbon emissions and reduce medical waste.

The Cycle Response Unit has introduced an emissions-free supply system – and led to London Ambulance Service being shortlisted for the 2025 Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Awards.

The Greener award recognises a team or individual who has delivered service improvements which improve healthcare’s environmental impact.

Cycle paramedic Allan Woodhouse said: “While we have always been a green team, responding to patients on pedal or electric bikes, we wanted to make improvements behind the scenes.

“We have relied on diesel vans for deliveries to our three hubs and there was a lot of waste with each of our 60 paramedics getting a personal response bag.

“So I worked with teams across the Service to reimagine the supply chain – and came up with Project ZEUS – Zero Emissions Urban Supply.”

By working with logistics, asset management, finance and frontline teams, Allan has helped the Cycle Response Unit to eliminate diesel use, reduce vehicle journeys and embrace pedal-powered logistics – trailers on electric bikes – to achieve zero carbon emissions.

Project ZEUS has also reduced medical consumable waste and streamlined the restocking process with fewer response bags and stock automatically replenished.

The Cycle Response Unit was set up 25 years ago and allows paramedics to reach patients quickly in congested or pedestrianised areas of central London. Cycle paramedics also respond to medical emergencies in Heathrow Airport.

They carry similar equipment to paramedics on ambulances – including defibrillators, oxygen and blood pressure monitors.

Tom Lynch, Head of Operational Innovation and Sustainable Response, said “The project has not only improved efficiency and our environmental impact but also enhanced the working experience for paramedics, who now spend more time caring for patients.

“Year on year we aim to improve our service for patients through innovations and sustainability and continue on our value for money and zero emissions mission.”

The next phase of Project ZEUS includes expanding to a second site at Heathrow Airport.

Winners of the CAHPO Awards will be announced later in 2025.

London Ambulance Service is continuing to invest in electric and greener vehicles, reducing operation costs, while improving air quality for Londoners.

The Service was the first to introduce a fully electric ambulance to respond to 999 calls and has the largest fleet of net zero emergency vehicles in the country, including 42 fully-electric response cars.