An air ambulance service is appealing for volunteers to help save lives.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) is looking for volunteers to take its CPR Skills for Life programme into businesses, schools, clubs, and other groups.

The initiative has already seen more than 400 people take part in the free sessions within the first few weeks, and interest is growing.

The charity is urging those who want to help to sign up online. Volunteers for the programme will be given the necessary tools, training, and support to help inspire others to become potential lifesavers.

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The programme teaches participants how to assess a patient, call for help, perform effective chest compressions, and use a defibrillator.

With around 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring in the UK every year, and survival rates being less than one in ten, the skills taught in the programme can significantly increase the chances of survival.

HIOWAA responds to around 400 cardiac-related incidents a year, which equates to one in five of its missions.

For more information on how to get involved, visit hiowaa.org/volunteer. To find out more about the CPR Skills for Life programme, visit hiowaa.org/cpr.

Keith Wilson, the charity’s director of income and engagement, said: "A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anywhere at any time. Whether it’s a loved one in your home or a stranger in a shopping centre, we want to empower people to step up and perform CPR to give that person the best chance of surviving.

"It’s incredibly exciting to offer our existing and prospective volunteers the opportunity to donate their time spearheading this potentially life-saving programme."