Every fire engine in Surrey has been fitted with a defibrillator in an attempt to save more lives.

Surrey Fire and Rescue Service has set up the 35-strong fleet with the equipment to treat casualties suffering a cardiac arrest.

As well as this, more than 180 firefighters have been given extra training to improve the care they can give to people with serious injuries and illness.

Russell Pearson, Surrey Fire and Rescue Service chief fire officer, said: "Our firefighters are now in a better position to serve the community and every second is vital in situations where a patient suffers a cardiac arrest or stops breathing.

"By giving firefighters extra training and first aid equipment, including defibrillators on every fire engine, we will improve the care we can give in emergency situations and make a real difference to a casualty's chances of survival.

"In future we are planning to increase the availability of defibrillators in the community by locating public access defibrillators on the outside of all Surrey fire stations."

The new equipment should ensure people involved in fires or road accidents are treated as quickly as possible.

County council leader David Hodge is backing the project with £150,000 of funding.

He said: "I am pleased to be supporting this important initiative which will make our country an even safer place to live in and visit."