HEART attack victims stand a better chance of survival if treatment is given within eight minutes - but ambulances often have to travel more than 20 miles from Norwich to emergencies in North Walsham.

HEART attack victims stand a better chance of survival if treatment is given within eight minutes - but ambulances often have to travel more than 20 miles from Norwich to emergencies in North Walsham.

That's why the service is appealing for volunteers from North Walsham who will be trained to help during those critical first few minutes.

First responders learn basic life support and the use of oxygen and a defibrillator so that they can give first aid until an ambulance arrives.

Acting on behalf of the East of England Ambulance Service, responders help people suffering from chest pain, heart attack and collapsed victims.

When there is an emergency call, responders are contacted via a mobile phone text message to attend an incident and automatically receive backup from the nearest ambulance available.

Volunteers must be reasonably fit, a car owner or have access to a car.

For more details call the community responder team on

01284 731802 from 9am- 5pm, or 01603 481220 at other times.