Charles meets 999 workers on visit to ambulance headquarters
The prince was particularly interested in emergencies at Heathrow Airport, call handlers said.
The Prince of Wales has experienced the flurry of activity in London’s central emergency call and dispatch hub during a visit to the city’s ambulance headquarters.
Charles also drew on his first aid training to take part in a defibrillation demonstration when he toured the London Ambulance Service on Thursday.
An ambulance blasted its sirens and turned out into Waterloo Road shortly before the prince arrived, sending a squirrel dashing out of a bush.
Those who met him included dispatcher Sam Stangroom, who was among dozens of busy operators gathering information about emergencies across the city.
Charles was particularly interested in emergencies at Heathrow Airport, noted Ms Stangroom.
The senior royal then zapped a dummy with electricity in a heart-starting demonstration alongside community defibrillation manager Lynsey Grant.
“Everyone clear,” the defibrillator machine droned before Charles pressed a red button.
“I’m super impressed,” she said of meeting him, adding: “I’ve reached the pinnacle of my career.”
Charles also met members of a new rapid-response team that will specialise in treating patients in a mental health crisis, in a scheme launching next month.
