VOLUNTEER first-aiders and privateers are routinely being called in to plug gaps left by a dangerous national shortage of paramedics, it was revealed yesterday.

A string of freedom of information requests showed staff shortages at ambulance services across England were at critical levels — in some cases as high as one vacancy for every four workers.

Paramedics are struggling to meet response targets as they grapple with the extra burden created by 1,171 unfilled posts.