An ambulance with two trained first responders will be patrolling Southend’s city centre in a move to ease pressure on 999 crews during nights out.

The Southend Council initiative, in collaboration with Triple L Training & Medical Ltd, will see the ambulance patrolling around the High Street and seafront areas.

The new service will take place every Friday and Saturday from 2pm to 10pm until October 5.

The scheme, made possible due to funding from the council’s public health team, follows previous trials, which helped ease the pressure on ambulance crews and emergency services.

The first responders will provide a triage service, offering immediate care and directing more serious cases to the appropriate medical services.

Simon Ford, head of community safety at the council, said: “Partnership working is absolutely key during busy periods in a coastal city and I’m grateful my team will be supported by these extra resources throughout the summer season.

“This will help make sure anyone that visits our beaches or town centre has assistance should they need it.”

The return of beach welfare officers has also been announced.

These volunteers, who are qualified beach lifeguards, will help keep beach visitors safe for the rest of the summer.

They are trained to deal with missing children, carry out first aid and support with water-based incidents.

The teams will be managed by the community safety unit (CSU) who patrol the city centre and seafront in a bid to offer a reassuring presence to both visitors and residents.

Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, added: “I’m delighted that we can offer additional first aid support this year thanks to funding from our Public Health team.

“I also welcome the return of the beach welfare officers who volunteer in their own time to help keep our beaches safe.

“These services have previously proved very effective in reducing pressure on our emergency services.

“We are enjoying a busy summer season and hope these services will help reassure and assist anyone who may require their services while demonstrating our commitment to public safety and health.

“I’d also like to thank our community safety team, the first aiders and the beach welfare officers for their invaluable support.”