Saving Londoners – Streatham Ambulance Station
Last year alone, the London Ambulance Service responded to over 1.2 million emergency calls, saving countless lives across London due to their diligence and quick response. The service, which is made up of 70 ambulance stations, covers a huge 620 square miles of London making the residents of Streatham very fortunate to have one on their doorstep.
Just two years ago there were nearly 9000 people in serious or life treating conditions in Lambeth who made the call to the London Ambulance Service. It was this need that led to a £1.1 million new ambulance station being opened in Streatham in 2006. As Keith Hill (below), MP for Streatham, said on its opening:
“Despite facing increasing 999 demand, they continue to show enthusiasm and professionalism. This new station is a credit to the NHS”.
With the need for a quick response the London Ambulance Service is at the forefront of vehicle technology. London has utilised transport units, varying from motorcycles to fully equipped helicopters, to answer emergency calls. Streatham has continued this trend with top of the range ambulances and fast response vehicles on hand to help save lives in Lambeth.
The heroics of the London Ambulance Service have led to a new fly on the wall documentary that follows ambulance crews as they respond to real life emergencies across South London. You can follow their progress in a six part series on Thursdays from 10.40pm on ITV starting this week.
Jack Clark
