Armed forces loaned to ambulance trusts as pandemic continues

Members of the armed forces are being sent to work for NHS ambulance services across the country as the coronavirus pandemic continues to claim lives.

Personnel from the army, air force and navy will lend their services at five ambulance trusts, including the South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust and the East of England Ambulance Service.

Their duties will vary depending on location, but are likely to include driving ambulances, taking calls from the public and performing non-clinical roles, the Ministry of Defence said.

Defence secretary Ben Wallace commented: "Our armed forces always step forward at the appearance of threats to the country and its people. Across the United Kingdom, soldiers, sailors, airmen and women have got the backs of our NHS colleagues as they confront coronavirus."

The RAF had already been helping the Scottish Ambulance Service by using Puma helicopters to airlift the most seriously ill coronavirus patients to hospital.