Should firefighters be allowed to take on a medical role as well?

Sub Officer Gary Churchill and two colleagues were given the news at a disciplinary hearing on Friday.

The men all joined the LIVES co-responder scheme - which provides first aid to heart attack victims.

The FBU says the use of fire engines for medical emergencies is a breach of union rules and policy.

Many involved

Mr Churchill said: "I really thought the union might have thought twice about this and come round to co-responding, as it is modernising and supposed to be moving forward.

"But in my eyes the union is not that bothered about moving forward and they are still stuck in the Dark Ages."

Four other members, who agreed to give up their positions in the scheme, have been reprimanded.

The scheme has the backing of chief fire officer Alan Riddett.

The men said colleagues at Grantham, and other Lincolnshire stations, have taken on the role but are not facing action from the union.

Mr Riddett, chief fire officer, said: "The firefighters are extremely keen to get involved."

He said they find it "extremely fulfilling" to save lives and that there are First-Responders at 20 of the county's 38 stations, and they have his backing.