Firefighters have attended dozens of serious medical emergencies since a new scheme started last month.

Crews, including one based at Ongar fire station in the High Street, have responded to the most severe cardiac arrest calls since a new “co-responding” project started on May 16.

Following training by the ambulance service and with equipment from the NHS, Ongar firefighters use a specially marked response car in an attempt to arrive first at the scene.

The crew, along with staff from five other fire stations countywide, give potentially life-saving chest compressions and use defibrillators while waiting for ambulances.

Since the scheme started, the service has attended 31 “Red One” cardiac arrest calls.

Acting chief fire officer Adam Eckley said: “This scheme is an excellent example of the collaborative work being carried out by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service.

“By working with the ambulance service on the co-responder scheme we can help make sure people suffering cardiac arrests have the best chance of survival.

“Our crews are already trained in basic life support and all our fire engines are equipped with defibrillators so this scheme enhances what we were already doing.

“It gives us an opportunity to support a blue light partner and allows us to do more than we have ever done to make Essex safer.”