More than 2,500 people have been trained in how to perform CPR and use a defibrillator thanks to the Lancashire Lifesavers campaign.
Training sessions were held by the North West Ambulance Service at venues across Lancashire to give people vital first aid skills in the event of someone having a cardiac arrest.
The campaign was inspired by former Lancashire County Councillor Tony Jones, whose life was saved when he collapsed during a debate at County Hall in Preston last September.
He was saved by fellow councillor John Fillis, a trained nurse, BBC Radio Lancashire’s political reporter Mike Stevens and county council facilities manager Matt Dean.
Following the success of the sessions people are now being encouraged to nominate places where defibrillators could be installed around the county after the council announced it will invest £30,000 in the lifesaving equipment.
Christopher Hyde, Community Resuscitation Manager at NWAS, said: “It has been a brilliant campaign and we were really pleased that so many people signed up to these sessions.
“Hopefully everyone who has taken part will now have the confidence to act should someone suffer from a cardiac arrest near them.
“Around 30,000 cardiac arrests happen out of hospital in the UK every year. If people receive CPR quickly from someone who is trained to use a defibrillator, they have a much better chance of surviving and recovering.”
Councillor Geoff Driver MBE, leader of Lancashire County Council, undertook one of the training sessions at County Hall alongside Labour group leader Azhar Ali.
Coun Driver said: “The session was very informative and worthwhile.
“Training more than 2,500 over the past month is a real achievement and my thanks go to NWAS for organising these sessions.
“Early CPR and defibrillation gives patients in a cardiac arrest the best possible chance, and that’s why it is also important that community access defibrillators are available in as many places as possible.
“I’d encourage everyone to send in their suggestions for suitable locations in the county for these devices.”
Mr Stevens said: “It’s fantastic news that so many people from across Lancashire are now fully-equipped with the skills and confidence to help in an emergency.
“The training has been so popular that we’re now looking at ways to put on some more sessions over the coming months.”
Lancashire Lifesavers is a joint campaign with BBC Radio Lancashire, the North West Ambulance Service and Lancashire County Council.
To suggest a location for a defibrillator, email and let BBC Radio Lancashire why your community needs one by May 31.
The location must be within the County Council area and the sites will ultimately be decided on merit by the council, along with the North West Ambulance Service and BBC Radio Lancashire.
