AN initiative involving Cleveland Police and the Great North Air Ambulance Unit has taken off.

Police who become involved in firearms operations will now be assured of medical support and backup, with the air ambulance ready to respond.

The joint project has created a 20-strong pool of doctors and paramedics with basic firearms training to respond to emergency situations.

Superintendent Martin Campbell, of Cleveland firearms unit, said: "We did an exercise recently with the fire arms unit where we had an officer go down injured.

"However, what they didn't know was the helicopter was going to come in and take him away from the scene.

"The exercise went without a hitch despite most officers not knowing the air ambulance was going to be involved, so that shows the training has worked."

Chief executive of the Air Ambulance Grahame Pickering said: "The idea evolved naturally and has created massive benefits for all involved.

"We have been training for nearly a year and everything is now in place but the training will be ongoing."

The scheme will also enable firearms officers to perform first aid in an emergency while waiting for the air ambulance to arrive.

Paramedic Jane Peacock said: "We are training around 20 officers at the moment, so if they are involved in any serious incident they will be able to cope until a paramedic arrives."

The link was forged when Dr Syed Masud, of the Great North Air Ambulance, asked the police if their unit could be of assistance when dealing with major trauma.

Firearms Sergeant Jon Winn said that the offer was simply too good for the force to turn down.

He said: "If the worst happens and a member of the public or a police officer is shot, we know we have the best possible care on hand."