AMBULANCE bosses yesterday told crews to avoid heroics and put their own safety first when dealing with emergencies during the fire strike.

The edict came from Paul Liversidge, director of Accident and Emergency Services at the North-East Ambulance Service, which covers County Durham and Tyne and Wear. It is part of back-up plans by the authority to cope with a Fire Brigade Union walk-out.

"We have been working on contingency plans which will ensure, where possible, that we are fully prepared to deal with the planned fire dispute," said Mr Liversidge.

"We are in continuous discussion with all emergency services and the military to ensure that we are prepared so that we can minimise the risks associated with the fire dispute, but all risks cannot be alleviated.

"Our staff safety is paramount and we are advising them not to go beyond their normal duties, so they don't put themselves at risk."

The service is not putting on extra staff or resources. A spokesman said: "We cannot just magic staff from nowhere and it is the same for vehicles.

"All we have is used in the best way possible at all times."