A SCHEME which could mean the difference between life and death for those who suffer a heart attack outdoors has been launched.

And Paul Stevens, network response manager for West Yorkshire Metropolitan Ambulance Service, has asked the public to show goodwill following the introduction of a new batch of defibrillators around Keighley.

The machines -- which can jump-start the heart by delivering an electric shock through the chest wall -- have been awarded to WYMAS by the British Heart Foundation (BHF). They are to be placed in accessible locations in Cullingworth, East Morton, Harden, Silsden and Glusburn.

The equipment was bought with money from a £6 million Big Lottery Fund award which will also pay for training equipment and the post of a community defibrillation officer in the ambulance trust. They will train volunteer life-savers -- called community responders -- to work the machines.

Mr Stevens said: "We're thrilled that our bid for funding has been successful. Currently we have 33 responder schemes in operation and this equipment, and the funding for a dedicated community defibrillation officer, will help us provide cardiac arrest patients with the best possible chance of survival."

The areas where incidents of heart attacks have happened the most have got the equipment.

"The hardest part of this scheme is getting the volunteers. The scheme is only as good as the people involved. We can't run it without the goodwill of the community." said Mr Stevens.

Each community will get one defibrillator. Once volunteers have been trained they will pass the equipment between themselves on a rota to keep in their own homes.

If someone suffers a heart attack in the locality the closest responder will be contacted by WYMAS to attend and deliver the treatment.

There will be one co-ordinator in each area who will liaise with WYMAS and manage the rest of the community responders.

The start-up cost for each scheme is £2,000, which includes paying for training. The community will be expected to raise the money through fundraising events and projects. To become a community responder applicants must undertake ten hours of training.

Mr Stevens stressed that the scheme was not a replacement for the ambulance service. "The scheme is very, very effective. You have three minutes to initiate the initial life-saving treatment. It often means the difference between life and death," he said.

Those interested and living in Silsden, Cullingworth, Harden, East Morton or Glusburn should contact Paul Stevens on 01924 582000 or 07880558359.