Hard-pushed paramedics are appealing for volunteer first aiders to help them treat 999 cases in remote areas of Northamptonshire.

The so-called first responders will be kitted out with life-saving equipment which they can use in their own communities until ambulance crews can get to the emergency.

Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, Rushden, Thrapston and Oundle are served by just eight ambulance crews and two fast response vehicles.

The aim of the new scheme is to put first responders in remote areas to back them up.

New scheme

The volunteers will get the call at the same time as the paramedics, but will usually be there first.

The volunteers will be fully first aid-trained and equipped with defibrillators to get things started until the paramedics arrive.

The Two Shires Ambulance Trust launches the scheme on Tuesday night.