PLANS are under way for firefighters from two part-time south Cumbria fire stations to respond to medical emergencies alongside paramedics.

Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service is set to work alongside the North West Ambulance Service with a co-response service to serious incidents such as cardiac arrests.

Stuart Dolan, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service operational commander for Barrow and South Lakes, said two part-time fire stations - one being possibly Walney fire station - would facilitate co-responding to red one incidents.

Mr Dolan said fire engines and vehicles already carry defibrillators and most firefighters are trauma technician trained. But further medical training would also take place.

Speaking at Cumbria County Council's Barrow local committee meeting, Mr Dolan said: "It's absolutely fantastic. This is a really, really good thing for the community.

"The training of our staff is absolutely second to none, most firefighters are trauma tech trained.

"Walney could be one of those stations. It will give residents within the local area peace of mind of having more assets. The firefighters are all desperate to do this."

The co-response service could be brought in by April.

The development could also pave the way towards Cumbria having its first tri services officer, a 999 officer who is trained as a police officer, a firefighter and paramedic.

Mr Dolan said: "We are looking at trialling a tri services officer. It would be the first one in Cumbria."

Mr Dolan said he was meeting with Cumbria police to discuss trialling a tri services officer.

Members of the committee congratulated Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and all the partners involved in the response to the recent major fire at the House of Lords building in Abbey Road, Barrow.

Councillors said they "really appreciated the efficient and excellent work".