EMAS ‘Critical Incident’ Stood Down

East Midlands Ambulance Service has stood down a ‘critical incident’ declared earlier this week. 

The measure was taken for the first time on Monday amid souring demand, partly due to widespread flooding across the region.

More than 500 medical emergencies were waiting for a response from EMAS at the time of the announcement.

A ‘critical incident’ is the highest alert level used by the NHS and allows bosses to take immediate action to create capacity.

Deputy Chief Executive Will Legge has thanked staff for their ‘incredible hard work’ but stressed the NHS across the region remains ‘fragile’.

He said: “The immediate actions that hospitals, partner agencies, and integrated care systems took, and the incredible hard work of our staff and volunteers, means that the number of patients awaiting an ambulance response has significantly reduced.

“The NHS across our region is fragile. This first week in January is historically one of the busiest for the NHS. This year, flu, Covid-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) and norovirus, are adding additional pressure for all services.

“Therefore, although we have stood down the Critical Incident status, we remain at Level 4 – the highest level – of the Resource Escalation Action Plan (REAP).

“Declaring a Critical Incident was an unprecedented action for EMAS.

“I am incredibly grateful for all efforts of colleagues across the health and care systems, and to the public for supporting the sharing of messaging about using alternative healthcare services.

“If your illness or injury is not immediately life-threatening, please seek health care and treatment via a pharmacy, urgent treatment centre, or general practitioner (including out of hours services) – visit the NHS website for services near you.”

Northamptonshire NHS has also declared a ‘critical incident’ :

NHS Declares ‘Critical Incident’ In Northants