direct to your inboxFirefighters are to join Army soldiers in helping the ambulance service respond to the coronavirus crisis in Greater Manchester.Fire crews are preparing to be redeployed to drive ambulances, respond to medical emergencies and help North West Ambulance Service paramedics, it has been confirmed.The 42 firefighters will start a three day education programme with NWAS from today with teams from Merseyside, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Cheshire undertaking training in kit familiarisation, driving and basic life support.It comes after NWAS recently applied for army assistance amid a surge in call-outs and soaring staff absence.The request was approved and around 120 military personnel will be drafted in to help manage.