Data shows 360 new recruits have joined the service since 2023, following a steep increase in recruitment between 2022-23 and 2023-24, and a total recruitment of 489 since 2020.

A three-year paramedic undergraduate degree programme was launched at Glasgow Caledonian University in 2017 and is now available at five universities across Scotland.

The number of paramedics currently working in Scotland is 2,156 whole time equivalent posts.

Health secretary Neil Gray said: ‘The Scottish Ambulance Service is an absolutely vital part of the health service, so the Scottish Government is working hard to provide it with the staff and resources it needs to continue delivering a high-quality emergency service to people across Scotland.

‘Since 2020, we have supported the recruitment of additional staff, with further recruitment already underway this year  bringing workforce levels to a record high.'

Michael Dickson, chief executive of the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: ‘This reflects their experience to date, and it also reinforces the important role paramedics can play in the future of NHS Scotland.

‘Our continued ambition, supported by Scottish Government, is to grow and develop the SAS workforce, ensuring we continue to deliver the very best patient care by boosting capacity and increasing our resilience in communities across Scotland.'