For doctors in northern Italy, the frontlines have moved beyond hospitals, as special teams try to keep patients alive at home, away from the saturated wards where thousands have died.

The USCA (Special Continuity Assistance Units) was set up last month as Lombardy’s hospital system came close to buckling, with ambulances ferrying thousands of patients to hospital a day.

The units offer more specialised treatment than family doctors were able to provide, while keeping patients out of crowded hospitals.

Since 19 March, when they went into operation, they have carried out more than 1000 home visits.