The number of paramedics and ambulance crews responding to emergency calls in Essex has risen by nearly a third in just 12 months, it has been revealed.
The service is in tip-top condition to cope with a surge in 999 calls thanks to another batch of 21 trainee paramedics who have just passed their basic training.
The latest group is among a total of 115 new staff who will take to the road on frontline emergency ambulances by Christmas.
The increase in staffing comes in response to a sharp rise in emergency calls.
In July, the number of emergency or life threatening calls rose by 40 per cent compared with July 2003.
Essex Ambulance Service spokesman Murray MacGregor said: "The increases in staff are absolutely necessary because of the rapidly increasing demand."
There are 29 per cent more ambulance technicians and paramedics - a total of 115 - in the county compared with this time last year.
Trainees undergo an intensive eight-week course, followed by three weeks on driver training.
They then spend 12 months on the road under the supervision of experienced staff.
Published Tuesday August 31, 2004
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