THE Island's Health Minister has said he wants to "strengthen links" between his department and the Island's biggest life-saving charity.

David Anderson MHK made the comments after visiting the headquarters of St John Ambulance – which have been recently expanded - on Thursday.

Commander of St John Ambulance Dr Iain Kewley spoke to the Minister about the charity's role as the "reserve" for the Isle of Man Ambulance and Paramedic Service.

He also discussed how the charity recruits and trains Community First Responders who the emergency services despatch in the north, west, and south of the Island to tend to casualties ahead of ambulances.

St John Ambulance is the Island's second biggest youth organisation and is currently running a campaign in local schools to teach first aid to pupils so that they can "make a difference".

Mr Anderson said: "I was impressed with the range of facilities at St John Ambulance headquarters and was very interested to learn of the number and age range of volunteers included in the organisation.

"The visit gave me a better understanding of their valuable contribution to our community and of the high standard of professionalism that the organisation works under. I am keen to strengthen existing links with the Department of Health."

A new carer's support programme which is about to be launched and a project to co-ordinate public access to defibrillators were also discussed at the meeting.

Picture caption: From left to right: Phil Bennett commercial development officer with St John Ambulance Isle of Man, David Anderson MHK Minister for Health, Dr Iain Kewley commander of St John Ambulance Isle of Man, David Killip chief executive of the Department of Health, Professor Roger Berry, chairman of St John Ambulance Isle of Man and Helen Bennett schools liaison officer with St John Ambulance Isle of Man