Introducing therapy dogs, a free initiative, was the idea of specialist paramedic, Sophie Brockman, who sought to help those who have had a ruff day.

Sophie said: “Due to the nature of our work our ambulance staff are regularly exposed to distressing situations.

“This can mean we are more vulnerable to developing significant mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, or the hidden problem of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

“Our NHS 111 and 999 hub staff are not immune from the stressful environment of emergency work either and they will also benefit from this new initiative.

“Our new four-legged colleagues will support teams by visiting the Ambulance Station and spending time with the teams when they can during breaks and downtime during their shifts.”

While attending the annual Emergency Service Mental Health Symposium last year, Sophie met a police dog handler who shared more information about how dogs can help improve well-being in the workplace.

They put her in touch with the Canine Concern Charity based in Eastbourne and helped Sophie develop this voluntary program.

The first recruit of the new intake was Ted, an eight-year-old yellow Labrador.

Owner and paramedic Emma Webb said: “Being able to reduce stress in the workplace and support our colleagues who are often working in challenging circumstances is in incredibly important.

“As well as being a paramedic at the Isle of Wight NHS Trust Ambulance Service, I am also a TRiM Manager (Trauma Risk Management), so know the importance of putting in the right support in place to help staff after they experience a traumatic event.”

The experience of using therapy dogs has been well explored in the care of patients and service users, but more recently there has been interest in how dogs can help with maintaining the welfare of healthcare staff.

Evidence shows that interacting with dogs can decrease levels of cortisol and systolic blood pressure which are indicators of heightened stress.

Research also indicates that within five minutes of interaction with a dog, a person’s stress levels can reduce.

Director of Operations for the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, Victoria White has also volunteered her own dog Freddie for the scheme.

She said: “I have personally seen firsthand what a positive difference dogs can make in the care home my Dad is in. As soon as Sophie put the proposal forward I knew this would have an incredible effect on staff.”