Ever fancied yourself as a bit of a hero? Well now is your chance to become one by learning how to save a life in an emergency.

The Life Save One in 2010 campaign is being run by the East of England Ambulance Service.

The campaign is designed to equip members of the public with the know how to deal with emergency situations, while an ambulance reaches the
scene.

Paul Leaman, associate director of community operations, said: "The period of time between someone collapsing from cardiac arrest and being defibrillated is the single most important factor to their survival.

"Although it sounds like a dramatic scenario, with the correct training almost anyone has the potential to save a life."

"It's the time of year when people think about what they can do for themselves and their community in the coming months."

Almost anyone can be a responder, as long as they live or work within a small radius of the place they serve.

First Responders are dispatched at the same time as an ambulance crew to life threatening situations such as a cardiac arrest, but because of their close proximity to a patient, they may reach them quicker and start assessment and treatment.

It means an immediate response, which could help increase the chances of survival.

Mr Leaman said: "Although volunteers come from different backgrounds, they have the common interest in helping the people they live or work close to in an emergency."

Training sessions take place on weekends, and covers managing of an
incident, making a survey of a patient and dealing with patients who are not breathing and have no pulse.

Volunteers are also trained in resuscitation techniques and the use of oxygen equipment and a defibrillator.

Andrew Boness, from Dells Lane, Biggleswade has been an emergency responder for one year.

He said: "It's always good to know that you can be called upon in an emergency, and that one call could make a big difference to someones life.

"I think in Biggleswade I am the only emergency responder and there aren't many in the surrounding area that I am aware of."

The 32-year-old added: "Since I have become a first responder, it has been surprising the amount I have learnt.

"There are so many benefits to the job, and the training is really good and it's free.

"It's an ongoing process and you learn skills that will come in handy throughout your life, even when you stop working as a responder.

"I haven't been called to many emergency situations yet, but on the occasions where I was called, the ambulance crew managed to reach the scene on time."

For more information, or to find out where you could be trained email responderadmin@eastamb.nhs.uk, or call 01284 731802.