CRUSADINF paramedic paramedic Steve Evans was presented with an award by Runcorn Rotary Club.

He became only the third person in four years to get an acknowledgement for special service.

Steve won the award partly for speaking to the Lancashire Rotarians on the use of defibrillators, the machines that 'jump-start' a stopped heart.

He hopes to get groups like the Rotarians involved in supporting first responder groups, who use defibrillators if they get to a casualty before an ambulance.

Steve said: "The defibrillators are simple to use, just one, two, three.

"They are amazing bits of kit."

Steve said a speedy response is crucial in first aid, be it phoning an ambulance, giving mouth to mouth, using a defibrillator or a paramedic giving advanced care.