Ambulance callouts for road accidents almost halved

The data, uncovered by experts at RTA Law with a Freedom of Information request, has found that in 2022 there were 2066. In 2023 this dropped to 1180.

However, the most recent figures, from 2024, have dropped to 1169.

When it comes to average response times, they’ve risen slightly since 2023 but remain lower than in 2022.

In 2022, the average response time was 24 minutes and 52 seconds. This dropped to 17 minutes and 43 seconds in 2023.

In 2024, the response time rose to 21 minutes and 36 seconds.

The RTA Law Freedom of Information request also revealed the time it takes to get patients to hospital has also almost halved.

In 2022, on average, it took 15 minutes and 38 seconds to get from the scene to the hospital. In 2023 it dropped to 9 minutes.

In 2024 there was a further drop to 8 minutes and 36 seconds.

Rod Mitchell, from RTA Law who uncovered the data after submitting a Freedom of Information request, said: “When it comes to road traffic accidents, every second counts.

“The sooner an ambulance can reach a casualty and get them the help they need, the better their chances of survival and long-term recovery. In emergency medicine, this is known as the ‘golden hour’, the crucial first 60 minutes after a traumatic injury. It’s during this time that swift medical intervention is most likely to prevent serious complications, reduce long-term damage, and save lives.

“Behind every response time is a real person, someone’s child, parent or partner, and every moment saved brings them closer to the care they urgently need and the people who matter most."