Retired London Ambulances Deliver Vital Support to Ukraine Amid Ongoing Conflict

The London Ambulance Service (LAS) has made a significant humanitarian contribution to Ukraine by donating 59 decommissioned ambulances since the start of the war in February 2022. These vehicles, no longer actively used by LAS frontline crews due to the service’s strategic investment in a modern fleet of greener emergency response vehicles, are being deployed to provide critical medical support to civilians and injured individuals within Ukraine’s conflict zones.

The initial wave of donations began with ten ambulances delivered during the early stages of the war, when a dedicated team of 26 LAS volunteers embarked on a three-day journey covering over 1,100 miles (approximately 1770 kilometers) to Poland. These vehicles were meticulously loaded with donated medical equipment – including ventilators, syringe pumps, tourniquets, wound dressings, blizzard blankets, and personal protective equipment sourced from NHS organizations across London – prepared to be swiftly transported across the border.

Since then, a total of 49 additional ambulances have been delivered in subsequent shipments. The current donation comprises nine more vehicles, recently transported to the frontline. British-Ukrainian Aid is coordinating the distribution, ensuring the ambulances reach those most in need. Nadia Pylypchuk from British-Ukrainian Aid emphasized the profound impact of these donations: ‘In Ukraine, any equipment or help really matters – whether it is big or small.’

The LAS expressed immense pride in this initiative, stating that their thoughts remain with their counterparts working tirelessly to care for those injured during the conflict. The project underscores a commitment to assisting vulnerable populations and highlights the collaborative spirit between emergency services across international borders. This donation represents a tangible way for London’s ambulance service to directly contribute to saving lives amidst the challenging circumstances in Ukraine.