THE South East Coast Ambulance Service is introducing a new specialist paramedic role in a bid to save lives.

It is one of two ambulance services nationwide set to provide critical care paramedics (CCPs), who will go by ambulance, response car or air ambulance to the most serious emergency calls.

The CCPs will have the ability to provide care previously unavailable in conventional paramedic training, such as advanced resuscitation skills and drug therapy.

Andy Newton, clinical director, said: "The trust recognises that more can and should be done to support the small number of patients suffering life-threatening injuries.

"The NHS is changing and clinical practices are developing rapidly, so it is even more important that patients get the right treatment in the right environment. The critical care paramedics will help us achieve this."

The CCPs will form part of the Medway Maritime Hospital's critical care network team. They will also work on the air ambulances either independently or alongside doctors.

David Philpott, chief executive of Kent Air Ambulance, said: "Early intervention at the scene is essential and the CCPs working alongside specialist doctors on the Air Ambulance is the way forward."