AN AMBULANCE operator from Leigh helped save a woman's life by giving instructions down the phone -- just two weeks after qualifying. Rookie operator Caroline Hurst, 21, of Bond Street, managed to calm a Bolton barmaid who stemmed a massive flow of blood from a customer who had slashed her wrists. And Caroline yesterday had the chance to meet up with barmaid Elizabeth King at the Bolton town centre pub to present her with a bravery award from Greater Manchester Ambulance Service.

GMAS operator Caroline took the call on her shift at the Belle Vue ambulance centre in Manchester in January -- just after passing her eight week training course. Elizabeth, who is assistant manager at Ye Olde Man and Scythe Pub, rang 999 from the pub telephone after discovering the women slumped in the toilet covered in blood just before closing time.

The woman had cut her main arteries and was bleeding to death.

Caroline said: "It was very difficult to establish where she was bleeding from because there was so much blood. The barmaid couldn't find the bleeding site. It was very traumatic for her. But once I started to relay the advice she dealt with the situation extremely well. She did exactly what I asked of her."

Following Caroline's instructions, Elizabeth, 22, discovered the gashes on the woman. Elizabeth then applied pressure to the wound with a towel until paramedics arrived. And Caroline has brushed off any praise for herself saying it was all part of her job. The former Astley's St Mary's High School pupil said: "I take hundreds of calls and have to give advice out. She was brilliant."

GMAS divisional manager Delwyn Wray said: "Elizabeth and Caroline should be praised for their calm actions. Their actions under pressure undoubtedly helped save a woman's life."