Cycle paramedic leads London Ambulance Service to win national award

A cycle paramedic at London Ambulance Service has won a national award for leading his team’s trail-blazing efforts to cut carbon emissions and reduce medical waste.

Paramedic Allan Woodhouse was named winner of the Greener award in the Chief Allied Health Professions Officer Awards 2025.

Recognising innovation: Project ZEUS

Allan won the award for the exceptional work he did in launching the innovative Project ZEUS – Zero Emissions Urban Supply.

Allan said: It’s fantastic to win this award but the biggest reward is knowing the difference we are making for our patients and our planet, with cleaner air for Londoners.

“This has been a team effort and we are proud of what we have achieved – a simple idea has transformed how we work and is setting a new standard for sustainable healthcare.”

Reimagining the supply chain

Allan worked with colleagues across logistics, asset management, finance and frontline services to reimagine the supply chain.

The team replaced diesel vans with pedal-powered e-bikes with trailers. This change has eliminated diesel use, reduced vehicle journeys and achieved zero-carbon deliveries.

The project has also cut medical consumable waste by streamlining restocking and reducing the number of individual response bags needed.

The Cycle Response Unit

The Cycle Response Unit, established 25 years ago, allows paramedics to reach patients quickly in congested or pedestrianised areas in central London. Cycle paramedics also respond to medical emergencies at Heathrow Airport.

They carry similar equipment to ambulance crews, including defibrillators, oxygen and blood pressure monitors.

Combining creativity with commitment

Tom Lynch MBE, Head of Operational Innovation and Sustainable Response, said:

“This award is a brilliant recognition of innovation driven by people on the front line. Allan and the team saw a smarter, greener way to work and made it happen.

“This success shows what’s possible when we combine creativity with our commitment to patient care and sustainability.”

Next steps for Project ZEUS

The next phase of Project ZEUS includes expanding operations to a second site at Heathrow Airport, further reducing fossil-fuel use in logistics.

The Chief Allied Health Professionals Award reflects the Service’s wider commitment to greener healthcare.

It continues to invest in electric and greener vehicles, cutting operating costs while improving air quality for Londoners.

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

You can read more about London Ambulance Service’s Green Plan here.