FIRE service bosses have told North-East ambulance chiefs that fire crews will not routinely attend incidents involving very obese patients unless they are life-threatening.

The new policy is because of a steep rise in the number of incidents where the transportation of super-heavy bariatric patients have caused problems for ambulance crews.

Ambulance bosses have also been told they could be invoiced to cover the cost of fire crews called out to non life-threatening incidents.

Until recently fire crews working for the County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service have routinely answered requests for assistance from their ambulance colleagues when they have encountered difficulties transporting a very large patient.

But a big increase in the number of call-outs - and an incident which left three fire officers injured due to muscle strains - has led to a more hard-headed policy.

Bosses who run County Durham and Darlington fire service now insist that any request for assistance with moving a bariatric patient which is not classed as life-threatening is now referred to a senior officer who will visit the scene, assess the risks involved and request appropriate support.

In incidents involving bariatric patients which are not life-threatening the fire service has said it will look at "cost recovery" from their ambulance service colleagues.

However, fire service bosses stressed that in life-threatening incidents involving bariatric patients, ambulance service requests for help would be dealt with immediately.

Alan Kernohan, an area manager with County Durham and Darlington fire service, said: "The number of these incidents has more than doubled over the last three years.

"If you spoke to other fire services in the region they would tell you that it is becoming an increasing problem. Our partners are also having to look at providing additional equipment and training."

A spokeswoman for the NEAS said: "Since 2007, all standard NEAS ambulances have had the capacity and equipment to transport bariatric patients. NEAS also has two dedicated bariatric vehicles.

"The vast majority of our contact with bariatric patients is scheduled, and does not pose any difficulties. However, there are occasions when we are called for help and a patient requires extra assistance to be moved from their home or vehicle. In these instances we may contact a local Fire and Rescue Service.

"We have a good working relationship with County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, and will continue to work closely with them on helping bariatric patients who require our combined assistance."