THERE can be few experiences more frustrating and upsetting than impotently watching someone die at your feet.

But for those of us who wouldn't know what to do in the presence of a medical emergency, this is a distinct possibility.

Heart attacks are the leading cause of premature deaths in the UK. Death occurs because the electrical control of the heart becomes disorganised. It only takes a few minutes for irreversible brain damage to occur after the breathing or the heart has stopped.

If someone has a heart attack in public, the presence of someone nearby with the simple skills to buy a little time before professionals arrive on the scene can be the difference between life or death for the unfortunate victim.

This is why the introduction of the Heartstart UK to Ilkley is such a marvellous idea. With the help of Ilkley Rotary Club, The British Heart Foundation, Ilkley Parish Council and The Independent Traders' Association, members of the public and business staff could soon posses that priceless life-saving knowledge.

Instead of standing by in a panic once the ambulance has been called, witnesses can act with the ability and skill to make all the difference.

The British Heart Foundation is a major national charity which plays a leading role in the fight against heart and circulatory disease. The foundation also plays an important part in funding education, both of the public and of health professionals, and in providing life-saving cardiac equipment and support for rehabilitation and patient care. It receives no Government funding.

The Heartstart UK's training scheme introduction to Ilkley is by far one of the most sensible ideas ever suggested for the town and it is to be hoped enough people come forward to make it a major success.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.