AN ambulance trust is asking for feedback from first responders about the possibility of them driving ambulances.

The East of England Ambulance Service Trust, which is struggling to meet targets for response times, is brainstorming ways to improve the service.

An email was sent to community first responders, which asked for views on the “potential utilisation of CFRs in supporting double-crewed ambulances and attending low-acuity patients.”

This includes minor incidents, such as elderly people falling over without injury.

It is exploring whether first responders could drive qualified crews and patients to help with staffing shortages.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “While it is well known readiness protocols like this exist in the event of extreme circumstances, this is not at all reflective of current planning arrangements.”