I HAVE a solution to the firefighters' strike and will be writing to Mr Gilchrist to advise him.

I believe that it is necessary to "modernise" the fire service -- I have first hand experience of this, being a nurse in the NHS.

As the firefighters are to be paramedics, why not let them give real "continuity of care" (buzzword). On rescuing a casualty from a burning building or a crashed car, why not sling them in the back of the appliance and cart them off to hospital? I expect the Government will put hammocks in the back, or perhaps if there is not enough room, maybe one or two fire fighters could take public transport back to the station.

On arrival at hospital firefighters would be expected to nurse the patient until the end of the shift. I forgot to mention, they would be trained as nurses, in addition to their paramedic skills, as we're usually either short staffed, too busy doing paperwork, or involved in our "extended" roles as doctors.

As we all know that there is a shortage of nurses, our firefighting colleagues would actually replace nurses on nights and weekends. And cost savings? It would be cheaper to staff hospitals at these times with fire fighters as they get paid at the same rate, be it night/day or weekend.is will be worth it -- don't you?

Grace Leedham RGN

Cumbria