AMBULANCE mercy teams in East Lancashire will be the first in the country to carry penicillin supplies for the rapid treatment of meningitis this winter.

The ground-breaking decision means paramedics across Lancashire will be able to administer life-saving care during the cold months when cases of the killer disease reach their peak.

The revelation comes as the four-year-old son of a Blackburn ambulanceman lies seriously ill in Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury. The boy was today said to be "stable" by health officials.

Lancashire Ambulance Service training and development manager Joe Bastoe said the service should be up and running before Christmas.

More than 30 people - mainly children - were rushed to hospital with meningitis between New Year and March 31. More cases, including fatalities, have been reported throughout the year.

Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Community Health Council (CHC), which last year pressed for all doctors to carry penicillin in their medicine bags, had written to East Lancashire's director of public health Dr Stephen Morton calling on him to support a scheme involving ambulance paramedics.

"They could play a vital role in saving lives," said Frank Clifford, chairman of the health watchdog group which today welcomed the ambulance initiative.

Mr Bastoe said: "Our paramedics, who already carry a range of medicines, will be able to administer penicillin to children.

"The question of cost does not enter into this - saving lives is paramount."

Mr Bastoe said questions of obtaining storing and carrying the medicine and some extra training of front-line teams were now in hand.

The Lancashire Evening Telegraph meningitis helpline number is 0990 446644. Enter selection 8219.

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