AMBULANCE crews had to call firefighters to help them remove a patient from his home.

The overweight man in his 60s had to be lifted out of his home in Parlklands Rochford through a window which was removed by firefighters.

Ambulance crews were called shortly before 10.30am to the man who was suffering from abdominal pain.

An ambulance spokesperson said: “We were called at 10.26am  to a patient in his 60s who due to a previous medical condition had abdominal pain.

"Because of the difficulties getting him out we sent an ambulance crew, a rapid response vehicle, an ambulance officer, a hazardous area response team and a doctor.

“The patient was taken to Southend Hospital at 3pm. He was conscious and breathing.”

Mark Turnball, Southend Fire Station commander said: “We went to assist a bariatric patient with underlying health issues. We had to remove the patient through a window.

“We put some stretchers together to convey the man out of the window.

“We were called at 12noon and left at 3pm.”