DO you want to learn how to save someone's life? If so, a scheme just being launched in Malvern is for you.

After months of preparation, Heartstart Malvern is now ready to start providing free resuscitation and defibrillator training.

The scheme was founded by former paramedic Richard Vakis-Lowe, who was involved with a similar resuscitation training scheme back in the late 1980s.

Earlier this year, Mr Vakis-Lowe appealed in the Gazette for volunteers to act as trainers, and following a response he describes as overwhelming the scheme is now ready to go.

He said: "The training is suitable for anyone over 11 years old, and takes less than two hours.

"Our volunteer trainers will teach you some very simple skills which although are very easy to learn which could help save a life. These skills include how to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and how to use an automated external defibrillator.

"When someone collapses with a cardiac arrest seconds count. Their chance of surviving a cardiac arrest will depend on whether someone nearby can start cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and use a defibrillator. Most people will not survive a cardiac arrest as the people around them when they collapse do not know how to do CPR or use a defibrillator.

"The chance of surviving a cardiac arrest in Malvern is currently less than 10 per cent. We would like to increase this to at least a 25 per cent survival rate which is achieved in some other European countries."

Details of the training courses can now be found at heartstartmalvern.org.uk.

At well as offering training to individuals, Heartstart Malvern is keen to hear from any clubs, groups or societies who might want a training session at one of their meetings, or local schools who would be interested in a session for their pupils in Year Six or upward.

For more information about Heartstart Malvern or to book a place on a course, please visit the website.