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Hazardous Area Response Team

Our Hazardous Areas Response Team (HART) provides life-saving care in complex, challenging and hard-to-reach environments.

This team of specialist paramedics undertake extensive training each year to respond to such incidents and provide excellent patient care 24/7, regardless of where the patient is. 

They carry additional specialist equipment, medicines and specialist protective clothing, allowing them to work safely in situations where standard ambulance crews may not be able to reach the patient straight away. 

A double side photo of HART rescuing a training dummy; and a Incident Response Unit vehicle in front of the London Eye.

What type of incidents does HART respond to? 

HART paramedics are trained and equipped to treat patients in a range of hazardous and high-risk environments, including: 

  • collapsed or unstable structures  
  • confined spaces  
  • working at height 
  • water, flooding, rivers, docks and other water environments  
  • hazardous materials or chemical incidents  
  • high-risk infectious disease incidents  
  • complex transport incidents  
  • rail, construction site, tunnel or utilities incidents  
  • incidents requiring Urban Search and Rescue support  
  • high-threat or specialist police-led incidents  
  • major incidents or large-scale emergencies 

Who do HART paramedics work alongside at incidents?  

As well as working closely with other London Ambulance Service teams such as the Tactical Response Unit, HART work closely with London Fire Brigade, police services across London and other specialist responders. 

This joint working means patients can receive treatment while rescue operations are taking place, rather than waiting until they have been moved to a safer or easier-to-reach location. 

What training do HART paramedics receive?  

HART paramedics complete regular, specialist training and exercises to maintain their skills.

This includes training with other emergency services and specialist agencies, so teams can work together safely and effectively when London needs them. 

Specialist response staff in HAZMAT suits at a training exercise, with LFB vehicles visible.

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