The London Ambulance Service (LAS) held a minute of silence at midday on Thursday to pay tribute to those who lost their lives during the pandemic.
Staff and volunteers came together in the memorial garden outside its Waterloo headquarters for a short service and one minute silence, led by Chief Paramedic Dr John Martin.
It came on as part of the National Day of Reflection, which is led by end-of-life charity Marie Curie.
The day brings people together across the nation to remember those who lost their lives during the pandemic and provides support those who have been bereaved. This year, it fell on the third anniversary of the UK’s first national lockdown.
Representatives of the London Fire Brigade, St John Ambulance and the wider NHS were also present at the commemorative event.
Dr John Martin said the tribute allowed colleagues to reflect on the “collective loss” of LAS staff as well as loved ones across the country.
“The pandemic had a severe impact on London, and took its toll on all of us at LAS. We lost members of the team who I know were more than just colleagues. They were good friends, LAS family, and we will never forget them.
“We will always remember our late colleagues, and will never forget their commitment and dedication to the Service during the most unprecedented challenges that the NHS has ever faced.
“For those with us today, we owe you our deepest gratitude for making huge personal sacrifices for Londoners and for your selfless commitment to our patients and each other.”
Helen Pettersen, Regional Director for the NHS in London, who joined the event, higlighted the “incredible efforts” of LAS staff, the wider NHS and partners who worked closely with the health service during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I would also like to pay my respects to our colleagues in social care and the efforts made by NHS colleagues and partners to deliver the vaccines,” she added.
LAS and the Metropolitan Police Service established a blue-light partnership during the Covid-19 pandemic.
It meant police officers across the capital could help drive ambulances and assist medics to help boost the emergency response to the virus.
Trained police officers have basic first aid skills and know the streets of London well, making them suitable partners to assist the ambulance service during a time of unprecedented demand.
A similar partnership with London Fire Brigade during the pandemic saw firefighters helping with a number of roles across the ambulance service including driving ambulances.
Since the start of the first national lockdown in 2020, LAS has received over 6 million 999 calls and over 5.5 million 111 calls. They also attended 3 million emergencies.
