FIRE crews in Swindon and Wiltshire are to be given extra medical training.

As reported in later editions of yesterday's Advertiser, retained firefighters in the county will be trained by Wiltshire Ambulance Trust to provide a wider range of first aid treatment at accident scenes.

The crews, who already carry oxygen and defibrillators, will have the same equipment as ambulances. Retained firefighters live in the community they serve and some are on call all week to provide cover for the fire brigade.

Vince Kimber, secretary of the Wiltshire branch of the Retained Firefighters Union, said: "I think it is an excellent idea.

"These firefighters are living and working in the community and respond to a lot of calls."

Mr Kimber serves at Pewsey. He said in rural areas ambulances can take longer to arrive than within towns. He and his colleagues have been called to a number of medical emergencies, including a lady with a heart attack.

"We were able to bring her back, and it is great to see her walking around the village," he said.

"If we can support people in the time it takes the ambulance to arrive then I am all for it."

Wiltshire's assistant chief fire officer Peter Baxter said the move came after public consultation. "The public want fast, quick intervention. They do not care whether that comes from a fire crew or ambulance.

"In short, this is going to save lives."

Training, which is already underway, is initially being given to stations in rural areas where it takes ambulances longer to reach. And retained stations in Swindon itself, such as Stratton, will follow.