MPs learn life-saving skills at London Ambulance Service HQ

London Ambulance Service welcomed five cross-party MPs to its Waterloo Road HQ this month (4 June) for a first-hand insight into how the UK’s busiest ambulance service operates and to learn vital life-saving skills.

The visit was part of the House of Commons’ Parliamentary Knowledge Scheme, which is designed to broaden MPs’ knowledge and understanding of different sectors across the UK.

After the CPR demonstration, the politicians were given the opportunity to practice their new skills on a mannequin. With fewer than one in ten people currently surviving a cardiac arrest if it happens outside hospital, the conversation turned to the importance of having easy access to defibrillators across the UK.

Dr Ellie Chowns MP for North Herefordshire said:

“It was fascinating to visit London Ambulance Service headquarters and see first-hand some of the innovative ways it is delivering emergency care in a city of nine million people.

“It is shocking how few people survive a cardiac arrest – but learning how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator is a way we can make a difference in an emergency. As MPs, we can also work with ambulance services across the UK to improve access to defibrillators.”

The MPs also received presentations on innovative approaches taken by London Ambulance Service to improve services, including the new AI-powered transcription tool designed to streamline the recording of clinical notes, as well as an overview of the trust’s Hear and Treat model. This approach enables clinicians to assess and treat Londoners with non-urgent medical needs over the phone, helping patients access the right care while freeing up ambulance crews to respond to life or death emergencies.

The group met senior executives to discuss the pressures facing the world’s busiest ambulance service and future plans to improve patient outcomes and tackle health inequalities across the capital.

Chief Executive Jason Killens KAM said:

“Hosting MPs at our HQ is always a privilege. It gives us an opportunity to showcase the important work our people do in delivering emergency services to the capital city.

“As demand for ambulance services continues to rise at an unprecedented pace, it is essential that we work closely with decision‑makers in Westminster to ensure we continue to improve and deliver outstanding care for our patients.

“MPs can play a role in eliminating defibrillator deserts and providing their constituents with the best chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.”

The attendees were from different political parties and regions of the UK, and included:

• Dr Ellie Chowns MP, North Herefordshire, Green Party (West Midlands)
• Gill German MP, Clwyd North, Labour (Wales)
• Johanna Baxter MP, Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Labour (Scotland)
• Linsey Farnsworth MP, Amber Valley, Labour (East Midlands)
• Marie Goldman MP, Chelmsford, Liberal Democrat (Essex)