The advice can be downloaded onto MP3 players Listen to the clips

The short clips can be recorded from its website onto an MP3 player and include advice on how to deal with fits, collapses and resuscitation.

The idea has been implemented by Sussex paramedic Stuart Rutland.

He said: "For a person with no clinical training to come across someone collapsed must be terrifying."

They are not meant to be a substitute for a first aid course or the advice given if you phone 999 Paramedic Stuart Rutland

Mr Rutland said the idea came to him when he was out running with his iPod.

"I realised how much I take these skills for granted," he said.

"Hopefully the audio files will be of support to someone in this position, although they are not meant to be a substitute for a first aid course or the advice given if you phone 999."

Associate director of service development at the Sussex Ambulance Trust, Sue Harris, said: "The first few moments are critical when treating a seriously ill patient and receiving support early on can make a big difference to the final outcome."

The advice offered on the Sussex ambulance website is in accordance with Resuscitation Council guidelines.