BOLTON parents and teachers are being encouraged to save lives - by educating children how to call an ambulance in an emergency.

Dave Ward, duty control manager for the Greater Manchester Ambulance Service, is hopeful that the Crucial Crew scheme, which takes emergency training into schools, will become a life-saver.

"The ambulance siren is often an intimidating sound for young children," he says.

"With the reassuring guidance of a parent or teacher who can take them through the process of calling for ambulance assistance, we can make the life-saving number accessible to all." The scheme has already proved to be successful. The ambulance service has trained 17,000 nine to 11-year-olds and community liaison manager Paul Kenny says that it provides invaluable information.

"With the help of a telephone consul, the Crucial Crew scheme teaches children how to call for an ambulance and to effectively pass on the necessary information," he said.

"Children need to be told to give their telephone number and address slowly and clearly. It is also important that the child stays on line and listens to the control room operator's advice." The plan is also designed to reduce bogus 999 calls made by children.

Ambulance service chief executive Adrian Lucas said: "Adults need to stress that the number should not be used for fun - but that it can mean the difference between getting help to a parent and child before it's too late."

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