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Funding to equip eight new volunteers to help in medical emergencies is a "game changer" for the first responder programme, a charity has said.

St John Ambulance Isle of Man has been awarded a Manx Lottery Trust grant of £50,000 for life-saving equipment for the additional roles.

The volunteers are trained to provide CPR and defibrillation ahead of the arrival of an ambulance crew as well as administer oxygen and gather information to assist paramedics.

Chief commissioner Martin Benson said the donation had enabled the charity to equip "a whole new intake" with the tools to help "during critical moments of need".

The charity said there was a need to increase the overall number of first responders to meet the growing demands on the ambulance service.

Mr Benson said volunteers to the roles had to observe on at least three 12-hour ambulance shifts to "prepare them for the psychological demands of the role and familiarise themselves with local ambulance crews".

The volunteers were "often the first responders on the scene, and their timely assistance can make a significant difference in saving lives and providing essential support", he added.

Trust chairman Stephen Turner said the charity provided a "lifeline for our residents".

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