The London Ambulance Service (LAS) received the same number of calls as a typical New Year’s Eve on Monday amid rising winter pressure.
More than 7,000 calls were made to the LAS on Monday, according to figures published by the Service.
In October alone, the LAS received 650 more 999 calls a day than the same month in 2023.
Overall call volumes have risen by almost 10 per cent on last year and now hover at around 6,000 per day, similar to pressure seen at the height of the Covid pandemic in winter 2020.
The Standard can reveal that the Trust has this week moved to its highest level of escalation, named REAP 4.
This allows ambulance trusts to maximise the number of staff working on the front line.
The LAS attributed the spike in call volumes to recent freezing temperatures and rising rates of viral infections and respiratory illnesses.
Chief paramedic Pauline Cranmer said: “I would like to say to Londoners: look after yourselves, your families, friends and neighbours this winter.
“We know infections are on the rise nationally, so we encourage those who are eligible to have their flu and Covid vaccinations.”
“We can see from the patients we go to every day that many people are struggling financially, with loneliness and with long-term conditions.
“Little actions can make a big difference so we would urge Londoners to stay warm, take your medications, and seek medical help if you need it, without ignoring your symptoms. NHS 111 online is always a good place to start.”
She also urged the public to “drink responsibly” at upcoming pre-Christmas celebrations to prevent alcohol-related incidents.
Londoners have also been advised only to call 999 in a medical emergency, so that clinicians can prioritise responding to serious incidents.
The LAS on Tuesday unveiled its 999 Winter plan for 2024, which the Trust said would include a 10 per cent increase in the number of ambulances on the streets and staff in the control room.
An additional 60 ambulances will also be on the road at peak times to meet demand.
NHS London Medical Director Dr Chris Streather said: “NHS organisations across London are working together to tackle the high demand for services, whether that is people needing emergency care, seeking vital care from their GP or attending an urgent treatment centre.
"We are monitoring the pressure on health and care services across the capital in real time, so we are able to respond to winter pressures and provide timely care to everyone who needs it. People are encouraged to use NHS 111, pharmacies or their GP in the first instance for urgent care that is not a serious medical emergency.”
