Steps are already being taken by Essex Ambulance Service to try to prevent a winter crisis.
It has announced it has already begun to use the ambulance reserve which will work throughout the winter pressure period.
Richard Lane, acting director of operations, said it is feared the normal pressures of winter could be compounded by the fire dispute.
He also hopes it will help the service to get back on track in hitting Government targets.
The ambulance reserve, established in 1993, consists of a pool of 21 volunteers called to help at large events and major incidents if needed.
Mr Lane added that 23 new trainee paramedics were due to pass out of training centres this week with nine more due in January.
Published Friday November 15, 2002
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