Paramedics will be looking for volunteers in Solihull today to learn how to save lives.

West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust will be on hand at the Touchwood shopping centre to show the public how they can help save lives.

The joint initiative between the British Heart Foundation, Touchwood and WMAS aims to help save lives in south Solihull and encourage people to learn vital life support skills.

Between 12 noon and 8pm shoppers will be able to sign up for the new Community Responder Programme, and talk to paramedics and volunteers about the scheme.

People who take part in the project will receive full first aid training, including CPR, defibrillator use, and how to deal with various lifethreatening situations.

This scheme will ensure that more people receive emergency help and treatment quickly, especially in the more rural and remote areas of Solihull.

Once an emergency 999 call has been made, the Community First Responder on duty will be sent to the scene to render first aid while the paramedics are on the way.

Training courses will start next month and will be held within the Solihull area.

Rob Cole, Solihull's Community Defibrillation Officer from WMAS, said: "More then two thirds of cardiac arrests in the UK happen out of hospital and only two per cent of victims normally survive.

" Not only is a speedy response crucial, but performing CPR can double a person's chances of survival.

"By training more people to perform this type of treatment, and by equipping the local community with the skills and knowledge to provide first aid, many more lives may be saved.

"This is why we are keen to encourage people in Solihull to be a part of this lifeline. Volunteers don't need to have any previous medical training."

Andrew Parkinson, Touchwood's general manager, added: "This is a great opportunity for guests to come along and find out how they can make a real difference in the local community.

"By having Community First Responder volunteers quickly reaching the scene and treating patients, the chances of survival are drastically improved."