Busy Night For London Ambulance Crews During Riots

London ambulance crews had a busy night two nights ago when they were called out to deal with a considerable number of incidents linked to the riots across the capital. Twenty-two people were taken to hospital directly from the disturbances, plus several more where treated at the scene.

An ambulance spokesman said others probably made their way on their own to A&E (accident and emergency) departments.

Director of Operations Richard Webber said:

"It was an incredibly challenging night for everyone involved, but all the staff working in our control room, support departments and on the frontline worked very professionally to help us reach patients as quickly as we could.

On some occasions, this was made even more difficult as missiles were thrown at our vehicles and crews were threatened and intimidated while trying to care for people.

We will be continuing to regularly review the situation across the capital in order to ensure that we can respond to calls while maintaining the safety of our staff.

The violence and extensive looting spread to other major cities in the country last night.

In the city of Birmingham, the West Midlands Ambulance Service was called out to deal with 34 incidences between 8.30pm and 3am. Thirteen patients were taken to different hospitals across the city. Most were cases of bruising to the head, general bruising, lacerations, swelling, and a dislocated knee.

Bricks were thrown at two ambulances in the West Midlands, according to the Nursing Times, and an ambulance was attacked in Manchester last night - however, no member of staff was injured.

Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer Tracey Morrell said:

"The majority of incidents have been as a result of assaults, but thankfully most have not been too serious. However, the fact that over a dozen patients went to hospital gives you an indication of the levels of injury."

North West Ambulance Service in Liverpool was warned to expect a major incident. Fortunately, despite serious unrest, nobody was hospitalized.

In Wolverhampton, in an incident connected to the disorder, three men died following a hit-and-run in the Winson Green area (Nursing Times).

Two ambulance stations in Merseyside were evacuated because of disturbances in the area.

Things were quieter in London last night. Ambulance services attended seven disturbance-related incidents.