Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service officers will be working with the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service over the coming days and weeks - including driving ambulances.

Firefighters have been specially trained.

Kathryn Taylor, IOW Ambulance Service, said:  “The Ambulance Service is currently seeing an increased demand of 40 per cent against this time last year.

"The support from the fire and rescue officers will mean that we are able to continue to respond to calls and provide the community with the care they need.

"We are really grateful to have them working alongside us. We really welcome the support of our Fire and Rescue Service colleagues during this unprecedented time."

Councillor Dave Stewart, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: “The rising number of COVID-19 cases on the Island has pushed our emergency services to this move.

“Plans to undertake these activities are not new; they are well tested and trained for. We didn’t ever want to be in a position where they were necessary; but that’s where we find ourselves now.

“Slowing the spread of the virus will help us and our NHS colleagues to maintain critical Island services in support of the COVID-19 response. Please stay at home and play your part in bringing infection rates under control by minimising contact with people outside of your household or support bubble.

“We are upscaling existing work to support our communities where it is most needed during this unprecedented time.

“This valuable joint working means we can work better together and continue to support each other in emergency scenarios.

“Please stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives.”

Darren Claydon, IOW Ambulance Service, said: “Our emergency services are working together, saving lives we ask the Island community to continue to do what we are all being asked to do, as individuals to all work together in responding to the pandemic.”