ATHERLEIGH ambulance station will be the centre of a pilot scheme involving new, sophisticated heart machines, aimed at giving heart attack victims a better chance of survival.

Three new improved electro-cardiogram (ECG) machines, paid for by Lottery money, will be based at the Orchard Close station this month. The equipment will enable paramedics to test if a patient needs vital drugs to combat blood clotting and then warn hospital staff to be prepared for the ambulance's arrival.

In the future it is possible paramedics will be trained to administer the drugs before the patient reaches hospital to reduce treatment times further.