The union says members should only deal with fires

The union claims that when the machines were introduced it was agreed they were only to be used on brigade staff and fire victims.

It now believes members are being asked to do additional work which should be left to paramedics and has threatened to take action unless the situation changes.

Cleveland Fire Authority says that it is "reasonable" to ask staff to respond to non-fire calls if they might be able to save lives.

It believes that as crews have the training and equipment to deal with heart-attack victims, they should be used in emergencies if they can get there before an ambulance.

The authority also said that fire fighters would not replace paramedics and that even when the brigade attended an emergency call, an ambulance would also be sent.