Firefighters have been specially trained. Kathryn Taylor, IOW Ambulance Service, said: “The Ambulance Service is currently seeing an increased demand of 40 per cent against this time last year. The support from the fire and rescue officers will mean that we are able to continue to respond to calls and provide the community with the care they need. We are really grateful to have them working alongside us. We really welcome the support of our Fire and Rescue Service colleagues during this unprecedented time. Councillor Dave Stewart, Leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said: “The rising number of COVID-19 cases on the Island has pushed our emergency services to this move.