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London Ambulance Service (LAS) has introduced a dedicated team of specialist clinicians to strengthen its response to patients experiencing acute mental health crises, as demand for support across the capital continues to surge.
Figures from the service show that mental-health-related callouts have almost doubled in three years, with crews attending 99,287 incidents in the year to 31 January 2026. More than two million Londoners are estimated to experience poor mental health annually, placing unprecedented pressure on emergency services.
In a first for the capital, four highly trained paramedics are being deployed in rapid-response cars to reach patients with the most complex needs, including those at risk of suicide. Drawing on enhanced clinical training, the specialists will carry out in-depth assessments that consider physical illness, medication issues, substance misuse, social isolation and other factors that can exacerbate mental distress.
The initiative builds on the success of LAS Mental Health Joint Response teams, which pair paramedics with mental health practitioners to provide holistic care. Since 2020 those units have supported more than 39,000 patients, with only 14% requiring transport to emergency departments.
Carly Lynch, Consultant Nurse for Mental Health at LAS, said the expansion reflected the growing complexity of need. “The number of Londoners experiencing a mental health crisis has significantly increased,” she said. “Developing even more specialist skills means we can provide a much more tailored response to patients with acute mental health conditions.”
Paramedic Kevin Jones, one of those training for the role, said advanced skills would help him care for both physical and psychological needs. “It’s important to involve patients in decisions about their care and link them into the right community services,” he said.
Colleague Charlotte Benson described the programme as “an exciting opportunity” to improve outcomes for some of the city’s most vulnerable residents.
Specialist medics will also work inside the 999 control room to triage calls and identify cases requiring immediate expert intervention, helping keep ambulances free for other life-threatening emergencies while delivering more compassionate care at home.
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