VERSATILITY among the emergency services is preoving pivotal in the fight against coronavirus.

Firefighters from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have joined NHS staff on the frontline this week to support them in their efforts against the coronavirus pandemic.

Nineteen firefighters, who are on-call firefighters at fire station across Essex, have spent this week as ambulance drivers, alongside East of England Ambulance Service (EEAST) paramedics.

By the end of the week, the 19 firefighters will have completed 50 shifts between them, making more than 40 extra ambulances available across Essex.

Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive Jo Turton said: ""I could not be prouder of our people - we saw about 90 colleagues come forward to volunteer to support our NHS colleagues. Even in these times of uncertainty, the one thing that never changes is their commitment and passion for helping others in need.

"It's an excellent example of partnership working - we are one of the first fire and rescue services in the country to be pressing on with this initiative.

"And of course, it goes without saying that while this activity is taking place, we'll always maintain our core functionality as a fire and rescue service."