AMBULANCE bosses are poised to introduce an American-style system in a bid to save more lives across East Lancashire.

The 'Pre-Arrival Advice' service will plug the gap between a 999 call being received and the ambulance arriving at the emergency scene.

The service, which has been used across the USA for the past 15 years, will be operated by the 30 ambulance control staff at Broughton who answer all 999 calls.

The controllers have been trained to give expert guidance to reassure stricken 999 callers over the phone and talk them through first-aid.

They have completed an intensive three-day training course and passed an exam to allow them to use the system.

Staff will guide callers through vital procedures which could save patients' lives, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation and clearing the airways.

Ambulance trust bosses are aware that the few minutes between a call being received and the ambulance's arrival can be the difference between life and death.

The effectiveness of the new system has been proved during recent trials at Broughton and a consultant with experience of operating the system in the USA is monitoring the installation of the system.

Trust chief executive David Hill said: "The system will provide vital life-saving first aid to the patient while the ambulance is on its way.

"The operation of the system does not in any way delay the sending of the ambulance.

"But it is used to obtain extra information for the benefit of the crew en-route to the scene, while at the same time being able to give the caller first aid advice over the phone.

"We believe the pre-arrival advice service will be reassuring and calming to callers in what can be very distressing circumstances and will save lives in emergency situations."

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