WITH reference to the Sale and Altrincham Messenger front page story of April 3, concerning the brave action of Martin Chandler [who dived into a canal to rescue a drowning man], I was astounded by the attitude of the North West Ambulance Service saying ‘leave it to the professional’.

This is all well and good if the professionals arrive in time.

If ambulances are held up, the intervention of a non-professional will be necessary in the cases of drowning electric shock, and severe bleeding to prevent loss of life.

Mr. Chandler probably had better knowledge of the canal than the ambulance personnel and I am sure, being a rowing coach, he would be well-trained in water rescue techniques.

NWAS should keep their criticisms to those who call ambulances out when they have a sore finger or a headache.

As a trained first-aider working in a university chemistry department, if I had waited for ‘the professionals’, I can think of at least two people who would no longer be with us and we were only a 10 minute walk from Manchester Royal infirmary.

Unfortunately the NWAS does not yet have instantaneous transport. Be grateful that other people might also know what they are doing.

David Olliver (address supplied)