IT'S a chilling scene and one which Bolton paramedics hope will never happen.

One is pictured wearing a new space age suit to treat a patient in a decontamination chamber -- in the event of a nuclear or chemical attack.

The yellow fluorescent suits, the first to be dispatched in the country, were officially unveiled at Bury ambulance station.

Since September 11, the Government has provided more than £9 million to equip emergency workers in the event of a terrorist attack in the UK.

Paramedic David Cartwright, from Bolton, is in charge of training emergency crews to use the new gear in readiness for the Commonwealth Games, when security will be at its tightest.

The suits feature charcoal filters and a respirator to allow the wearer to breathe clean air.

Paramedics can only stay in the suits for up to 20 minutes -- enough time to deal with eight to 10 patients, says Mr Cartwright.

The costumes are designed to withstand lethal gases, chemicals and radioactivity.

More than 150 suits have been sent to the region, with six Wigan and Bolton paramedics chosen to start training staff in how to use them.

Mike Hynes, pictured wearing the costume, described the suit as warm but comfortable -- although at more than six foot tall, he was having difficulty seeing through his visor.

Communications manager John Williams said: "We have never had any suits before and these are a first for the country. They are proving very popular with lots volunteers coming forward to train.

"Every ambulance service and accident and emergency unit in the country is being given suits following September 11."