First responders in Ardfern hailed heroes after saving holidaymaker's life.

"I’d been perfectly fit before, so all of this has come as a complete shock but I really was in the best place at the right time for this to have happened. There was an incredible response that kicked in so quickly and saved my life.

"There were five elements that formed a chain of survival that gave me the best shot. If just one of those elements had failed, then I wouldn’t be here now.

"Lucky for me, that chain of survival worked brilliantly. My friend’s daughter Sasha who found me was the first cog in it," he said.

Mr Kennett, who has been enjoying his visits to Ardfern and Argyll for over six decades, was discovered by his friend’s daughter whose shouts for help were heard by neighbours - one who was a trained but former community first responder - part of a group of volunteers trained by the Scottish Ambulance Service to attend certain types of emergency calls in the area where they live or work until more help arrives.

A 999 call was made and CPR and a public defibrillator from outside the Ardfern village shop, just opposite, were used until first the on-call first responder and then the ambulance arrived to take Mr Kennett to hospital in Oban.

"I didn’t go inside the hospital, a helicopter was waiting to airlift me to the Golden Jubilee Hospital and from there I was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

"All of this help formed the chain of survival. I’m completely aware how valuable the community responders and the defibrillator were and how vital it is that they exist, especially in remote places where it’s quite a journey to hospital.

"It’s made me think that when I’m better and get home, if there isn’t already something like this, I will look at setting something up similar.

"I know the Craignish First Responders are looking for more volunteers to join them and get trained up to help at emergencies like mine and others and I support their appeal 100 per cent.

"I know some people might say that they’ll wait until tomorrow to think about getting involved but tomorrow could be too late. If you can, please help them. It could be you or someone dear to you who needs help next," added Mr Kennett.

There are two groups operating under the Craignish First Responders umbrella, one based at Ardfern since 2012 and the other at Craobh Haven - both need more volunteers.

No previous medical experience is necessary as training will be given by the Scottish Ambulance Service.

In the last few weeks, the responders have had a busy time with their contribution enhancing patient care in the community.

In an emergency, the quickest way to get help is to call an ambulance. The ambulance service will then contact the responder on call.

Interested in finding out more? Contact the Ardfern group’s co-ordinator Ali MacLeod on 01852 500272 or email aliandsally@mac.com.