East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has declared its first ever critical incident after flooding hit the region. EMAS raised its resource escalation action plan to level four - the highest level that indicates a potential for failures in the service - in response to pressures on the NHS and ambulance services on 26 November.

More than 500 emergencies were waiting for a response from East Midlands Ambulance Service (Emas) when it declared a critical incident on Monday (January 6). Bosses felt there was “a great risk” of patient harm and they had to “take action” to reduce this last night.

The ambulance service that serves Northamptonshire has declared its first critical incident, amid growing pressure in hospitals and flooding across the region.

Ongoing demand, particularly at Northampton and Kettering general hospitals have culminated in this escalation. Earlier this week, the East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS), which covers Northamptonshire,