A GRANDFATHER of five who helped raise thousands of pounds to buy a life-saving machine has spoken of his shock after the devices were withdrawn from local ambulances.

Two years ago, a LUCAS resuscitation device saved the life of Ron Knight, 71, from Wessex Oval, Wareham, after he suffered a heart attack. It was one of the first times it had ever been used.

But this week the Daily Echo reported how the machines have now been taken out of ambulances across Dorset pending new trials.

In December, Ron helped friends Rose and Maurice Estop organise a special fundraising evening at their pub, the New Inn at Church Knowle, to buy one of the £6,000 machines for a local ambulance.

Ron told the Daily Echo: "I can't understand why they have been taken out of commission. I'm living proof they work. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't been for one of those machines."

Pub owner Rose added: "It's disappointing to hear what has happened. We raised that money on the condition that it would be spent on a LUCAS machine for a local ambulance. What has happened to it now?"

Dorset Ambulance NHS Trust, now part of South Western Ambulance Service NHS Trust, was one of the first ambulance services to introduce LUCAS machines as part of a European trial.

But the trust has temporarily ceased using the machines following a recommendation from a cardiology specialist.

A trust spokesman said: "This is so the equipment can be used while following strict protocols within a trial. This is necessary for the safety of our staff and patients as a precautionary measure."

Dorset would however be leading a new European pilot trial at some point.

"In the unlikely event that the LUCAS machine scheme will not be rolled out on a national basis in the future, it is possible that monies may be returned."