Dozens of new paramedics will take to the streets of Sussex to help meet ambulance response times.

Sussex Ambulance Service will also introduce "stand by" medics near common accident spots, who can launch into action to reach patients more quickly.

By March, the Government wants ambulance crews to meet 75 per cent of life-threatening emergencies within eight minutes.

During 1999/2000, Sussex crews reached only 56.5 per cent of patients in this category.

Unions have blamed response delays on staff shortages due to unsociable hours and pay disputes about overtime.

Service operations director Trevor Anderson said 15 new paramedics had already been taken on, and a further 20 were being trained.

After they had finished, training would start for another 20 paramedics.

Mr Anderson said the service had taken steps to make employment conditions more attractive, by looking at such changes as flexible working hours and ways of reducing staff sickness.

He said: "It's not just about working harder, it's about working smarter and changing the way we deploy ambulances and move them around."

The service has pin-pointed 30 locations across Sussex which are close to common danger spots. Examples include the junction of the A23 and A27; Palace Pier and the Seven Dials roundabout.

From next month, some sort of ambulance vehicle, from a paramedic motorbike to an accident and emergency crew, will be on stand-by at these locations rather than responding from a central base.

Mr Anderson added: "Simple logic tells us if a crew is waiting at a station, they have to get out and respond. If they are already standing by near a trouble spot, there will be a faster response.

"It's looking at the best places to locate the vehicles. We are confident we will meet the target. We have received a lot of support from the health community."

The service hopes to receive £1.6 million from the Government and health authority by the end of this financial year to help towards a faster service.