§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many people have been trained as part of the ambulance volunteers' first responders scheme. [147753]
§ Ms StuartThe information requested is not collected centrally. First responders are invaluable in providing immediate care until an emergency ambulance arrives. What matters is that patients with life-threatening conditions or injuries get an emergency response as quickly as possible. Clinical evidence proves conclusively that early defibrillation and resuscitation saves more lives. Achievement of the eight minute target could save 1,800 lives each year in people under 75 years suffering acute heart attacks.