Staff at London ambulance services (LAS) have walked out today (January 11) amid ongoing disputes with the Government over pay. 

The London services join 25,000 ambulance workers across England and Wales including Paramedics, call handlers, drivers and technicians from the Unison and GMB unions.

The 24-hour strike is taking place across 14 heath unions that represent more than a million NHS staff who said they will not submit evidence to the NHS pay review body for the next wage round “while the current industrial disputes remain unresolved”.

They added that instead, they will call for direct pay talks with ministers. 

The strikes have seen NHS Providers warn that the NHS will be hit harder by Wednesday’s strike than one held in December as more staff, including call handlers, go on strike.

READ MORE: When should you call 999? What to do if you're unsure but need urgent medical help

Amid warnings that more staff on strike could see more pressure on the service, chief executive of the London Ambulance Service, Daniel Elkeles said that you should only call an Ambulance "if it is a life or limb-threatening emergency”.

What should you do if you need an ambulance during strikes? 

If you need an ambulance during strikes, you should only call 999 if you are suffering a life or limb-threatening emergency. 

However, if you do require urgent healthcare then you can call 111 who will give you advice. 

Daniel Elkeles, the service’s chief executive officer, said staff would come off picket lines if call-answering times are too long, adding that category 2 calls such as suspected heart attacks and strokes would be answered.