LIFE-saving machines that carry out CPR on patients as they are rushed to hospital after a cardiac arrest have been withdrawn from ambulances in Dorset, because the government wants to organise new trials.

Dorset Ambulance NHS Trust was the first ambulance service in Europe to introduce the Lucas (Lund University Cardiac Assist System) machines as part of a trial.

Paramedics found that a large number of patients who would previously have been certified dead on arrival at hospital were instead breathing on their own and opening their eyes.

Ferndown Rotary Club this week heard the trials had finished and the kit been withdrawn from ambulances - including those at Wimborne - because the government wants to organise its own trial before allowing any machines to be ordered. They cost £6,000 each.

Dorset will lead the new trial, but no one knows when.

The meeting on Wednesday heard that when paramedics carried out manual CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation - the number of patients who had spontaneous circulation was between three and five per cent. With Lucas, the figures jumped to 39-40 per cent.

A spokeswoman for the newly formed South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust, which includes the former Dorset Ambulance NHS Trust, said they had been one of four trusts in the country piloting the Lucas machine as part of a European trial.

The spokeswoman said they could not use the machines they currently have.

"South Western Ambulance Service, along with the other three Ambulance Trusts, has temporarily postponed the use of the Lucas following a recommendation given by Professor Douglas Chamberlain, a cardiology specialist.

"This is so that the equipment can be used while following strict protocols found within the confines of a trial.

"This is necessary for the safety of our staff and patients as a precautionary measure."

The spokeswoman said they were now waiting for the European Resuscitation Trial.

Before the Lucas trial ended in Dorset, the public was asked to help raise money so the kit could be provided on every ambulance and response car in the county.

The spokeswoman said they could no longer actively publicise the kit or fundraise for it because the Lucas trial was no longer operating.

"South Western Ambulance Service hopes, however, to be the only UK site operating as part of a European pilot for the Lucas later this year as we truly believe that the equipment is successful, staff and patients alike support it and in time we hope to see it on every ambulance in the country."

Manufacturer Lucas CPR has said previous tests in Lund, Sweden, had already shown the product to be effective.