Lives could be put at risk by plans to reduce the number of times firefighters are called out to help paramedics in medical emergencies, it was claimed today by members of a union.

The Retained Firefighters’ Union operating across Mid and West Wales says the Welsh Ambulance Service has withdrawn “a substantial amount of funding” from the partnership scheme that has been running for 10 years.

Fourteen fire stations across the region, including Llanfyllin, Montgomery, Presteigne, Hay on Wye and Llanwrtyd Wells, respond to about 2,000 calls a year, providing the first response at an emergency. Each station is estimated to have saved between five and 10 lives a year.

The RFU says that a change of policy by the ambulance service, implemented from April 4, will put people at risk through a “capping” system on call types.

A statement by the RFU says: “These measures will save money but will seriously jeopardise the safety of seriously ill members of the communities in these areas.”

But both the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust and the Mid and West Wales Fire Service chiefs deny there were any plans to limit the response to any calls.

In a joint statement issued by both services, Alan Murray, chief executive officer of the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, said: “While the two services are in discussion over issues of joint operational interest … both services reaffirm their commitment to working together.”