THE achievements of a group of Silverdale life savers has been formally recognised.

The Silverdale First Responder team have been trained to react quickly and effectively to life threatening situation during the vital minutes before the ambulance service arrives.

The 11-strong team were presented with certificates by David Hill, a Trustee of the Heart of Lancashire Appeal and Chief Executive of Lancashire Ambulance Service.

Presenting the certificates he said: "When 999 calls from Silverdale are received and identified as of a potentially life threatening nature, the Ambulance Control Room sends a radio message to the first responder who is able to react quickly and provide help while a paramedic is on the way. That help can quite literally be a life saver."

He added: "All evidence suggests that, particularly in heart cases, it is vital that trained help is provided within the first eight minutes, after that the chances of survival fall dramatically. The volunteers in Silverdale are at the forefront of a movement which will provide significant improvements in pre-hospital care in emergency situations to people in more rural areas of Lancashire. These volunteers have set the example in showing their willingness to help within their own community."

The ambulance service is hoping the Silverdale scheme, fully supported by local fund-raising activities, will encourage other rural community to follow suit.

For more details about the First Responder Scheme call Lancashire Ambulance Trust on 01772 773000.