Cardiac arrest victims in Croydon could get their first treatment from a police officer as part of a new pilot scheme to combine emergency services.

From Monday, November 30, coppers as well as paramedics will receive alerts about potential cardiac arrests, and will be asked to attend first if they are closer to the emergency, before an ambulance crew arrives.

Fifty defibrillators have been installed in police vehicles and stations across the borough and 225 officers have recieved training with the equipment ahead of the scheme's launch.

It is predicted that the scheme, piloted by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) and the Metropolitan Police, will see Croydon officers respond to up to 13 cardiac arrests a week.

Chris Hartley-Sharpe, head of first responders at LAS, said: "Police officers will be alerted to a potential cardiac arrest alongside our ambulance crews, which means that if they are in a closer proximity, they can respond first.

"This initiative is a fantastic opportunity for the emergency services to work together and share resources, saving more lives across Croydon."

According to LAS, the survival rate for people suffering cardiac arrests in a public place is 32 per cent.

But that rises to 80 per cent if a defibrillator is present and someone is trained to use it.

Mr Sharpe said: "The more people available to respond to these types of incidents, the better."

The pilot scheme is the latest in a series of LAS initiatives to improve cardiac arrest survival rates across London. Last year more than 1,000 defibrillators were installed in shops and businesses city-wide.

Croydon police borough commander, Chief Superintendent Andy Tarrant, said: "We are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of the people of Croydon.

"We’re delighted to be able to work alongside London Ambulance Service as part of this initiative. In Croydon, we have 225 police officers who are now able to respond to these critical calls, potentially saving even more lives."

The pilot scheme will run until May next year.