More than 170,000 people have signed up for the NHS Volunteer Responders scheme just hours after it was launched.
The Government called for an army of helpers to support the NHS as medics battle against the coronavirus outbreak.
National Medical Director of NHS England Stephen Powis said he was "bowled over" by the response.
Prof Powis told BBC Breakfast: "We have seen incredible responses throughout this.
"Yesterday we sent out a call to arms, looking for an army of NHS volunteers. We were looking for a quarter of a million volunteers.
"And I can now say overnight we have already had 170,000 people sign up.
"So that's three a minute signing up to help the NHS. It's an absolutely astonishing response."
Prof Powis said there had also been “outbreaks of altruism and people wanting to help”, adding that he was “bowled over” by medics returning to the front line and the response from people signing up to help the vulnerable.
He added: “This is a health emergency, we can all play a role in ensuring we get on top of coronavirus and at the same time expand capacity in the NHS.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said on Tuesday evening that the workforce will help the NHS with "shopping and delivery of medicines and to support those who are shielded to protect their own health".
"The NHS Volunteer Responders is a new scheme set up so that people can come and help and to make sure that the NHS and local services that are needed get all the support they can," he said.
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