Army could answer 999 calls if ambulance workers in England strike

Use of military personnel not unrealistic' says official as NHS and government draw up plans to keep service going

The army could answer 999 calls if ambulance personnel on England go on strike over their pay, under NHS plans to keep services running during strikes.

Military personnel will be brought in if, as looks likely, ambulance staff such as paramedics and emergency medical technicians withdraw their labour in the next few weeks.