Ambulances getting to patients faster

Data published by EEAST for May 2026 shows faster responses for the critical Category 1 and 2 patients than in May 2025, meaning help is arriving sooner when people need it most.

For serious emergencies such as chest pain and suspected strokes (Category 2), the average ambulance response time in May 2026 was 29 minutes and 47 seconds. This is more than two minutes faster than May last year, when the average was 32 minutes 11 seconds.

Performance for the most urgent Category 1 (C1) emergencies also improved, with an average response time of 8 minutes 17 seconds, compared to 8 minutes 25 seconds in the same period last year.

The improved performance comes despite an increase in demand on the ambulance service:.

• Over 5,000 more 999 calls were received in May 2026 compared to May 2025

• Ambulance crews attended over 5,000 more patients in May compared to last May

• Almost 17% of all patients were successfully treated over the phone by clinicians, compared to under 15% a year ago – freeing up ambulances to attend those most in need.

EEAST’s Chief Executive Officer Neill Moloney said: “We are becoming busier, both year-on-year and as we go into summer. We received over 5,000 more 999 calls in May this year compared with 2025, and attended over 5,000 more patients.

“We are maintaining improvements against a background of higher demand through recruiting more clinical staff, reducing off-road time for ambulance maintenance and repairs, and investing in a newer fleet.”

The Trust has also expanded the number of clinicians in its control rooms, so patients with less serious conditions can access care in the community while ambulances are freed up for patients who need them. The number of patients treated over the phone in May increased to 16.62% compared with 14.66% in May 2025.

Neill Moloney added: “The critical factor in our continued improvement in key response times is the commitment, professionalism and hard work of our ambulance crews, control room staff and support services. I am incredibly proud of them.

“There is still more that can be done though. We need to build on our achievements throughout the summer so that we are prepared for the challenge of Winter.

“I, and our senior management team, are working constantly to ensure all of our teams have the tools, resources and environment they need to continue improving performance and delivering outstanding patient care.”