PATIENTS were taken to A&E units by Gwent Police 45 times last month.

Police vehicles are being increasingly used when ambulances are unavailable.

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said: “Gwent Police works closely with all emergency services and together we take all necessary and appropriate steps to put the safety and well-being of members of the public first.

“Officers dealing with fast moving emergency situations do sometimes need to transport casualties to hospital rather than wait for an ambulance.

“Officers clearly do not have the same level of training as the Ambulance Service, and dealing with these incidents does detract from our day to day policing duties. “At a time of significant financial challenges this presents further demand on our already stretched resources, however our duty to protect and reassure comes first and foremost.”