In a significant development, the London Ambulance Service has declared an internal incident due to the loss of the Airwave communication system, which is crucial for controlling and coordinating ambulance crews across the city.

Airwave, a specialized communication network used by emergency services in the UK, including ambulance services, police, and fire brigades, experienced a sudden and unexpected outage. This disruption has significantly impacted the London Ambulance Service’s ability to efficiently manage and dispatch its crews, raising concerns about potential delays in response times and overall emergency service effectiveness.

The London Ambulance Service source said that the safety of the public remains their top priority. They have implemented contingency plans and alternative communication methods to ensure continued operation. However, they acknowledge that the loss of the Airwave system poses considerable challenges in the fast-paced and often critical environment of emergency medical services.

The cause of the Airwave outage is currently under investigation. Specialists are working to restore the system as quickly as possible. In the meantime, the London Ambulance Service is coordinating closely with other emergency services and leveraging other communication tools to maintain their response capabilities.

The public is advised to remain patient and understanding during this period. The London Ambulance Service assures that all possible measures are being taken to minimize the impact on emergency response and patient care. This incident highlights the vital role of robust and reliable communication systems in emergency service operations and the need for effective backup solutions in case of such unforeseen failures.

We have reached out to the London Ambulance service for a statement: More to follow