FIREFIGHTERS say lives in Barnsley are being put at risk because they are being sent to medical emergency incidents that should be responded to by paramedics.
The Fire Brigades Union say crews have been called to assist the ambulance service only for medics not to turn up or be severely delayed.
Firefighters are being mobilised to calls to assist the ambulance service as they have done for many years, usually to gain entry.
But a spokesman for South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said they are an emergency service and respond to 999 calls when people need assistance.
He added: "It would be strange if anyone suggested we do anything different. We are clear that we are not a replacement for the ambulance service."
** The full story - including examples of incidents - appears in the Barnsley Chronicle newspaper, dated May 1.
