The ambulance trust which serves south west Hertfordshire has started a fresh recruitment drive particularly targeting applicants from the county.

The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) is encouraging more people to start a new career in the ambulance service.

In particular, the trust is seeking applicants from Hertfordshire to help boost numbers in the area.

The service is hoping to recruit another 200 student paramedics across the EEAST region.

Consultant paramedic, Marcus Bailey, who leads the training and development programme, said: "It’s hard work but it’s a very fulfilling role because you can make a difference to a person’s life in just a few moments.

"We want caring, compassionate people with a commitment to patient care, so we would really encourage them to apply now."

Student paramedics go through eight weeks of training in the classroom and three weeks of blue-light driver training before starting on the front-line.

They then receive three more weeks of classroom training in their first nine months as students.

During the 12 to 18 months which follow, studies involved a mix of classroom and practical work delivered through either the University of East Anglia or Anglia Ruskin University.

To apply to become a student paramedic, videos on classroom training and a brochure with frequently asked questions visit http://www.eastamb.nhs.uk/working-for-us/student-paramedic-programme.htmwhich.