PARAMEDICS who recorded a charity single to raise awareness of sudden death syndrome have attained something approaching celebrity status among their colleagues.

Rich Carter, 36, Matt Dearing, 41, Richie Bellis, 39, and Steve Tanner, 41, formed 8 Minutes Later in February and released their very first song Sirens in aid of charity Cardiac Risk in the Young at a packed gig on December 3.

On the night, the foursome, who work for the South Western Ambulance Service, sold out of the 81 CDs they had produced.

With online downloads they have now sold more than 100 singles, raising £400 for the organisation close to Rich’s heart.

The song’s success surpassed the bandmates’ wildest expectations.

“We had over 100 people at the gig and we‘ve sold over 100 CDs now. We were really nervous at the gig because it was the first time people were going to hear the single. Everybody who was not working at the ambulance station came and a lot of people from A&E. It was probably the most nerve-wracking gig we’ve done.

“We didn’t expect to sell out so quickly. We have got people asking us for CDs so we might make more.”

In January 2010, Richie’s 37-year-old brother Trevor was found dead at his home in Bristol by a neighbour. He had suffered a cardiac arrest.

This prompted the father-of-two from the town centre to support charity CRY’s work and encourage young people to get tested for heart conditions.

The launch gig at The Victoria was dedicated to his brother.

“It was quite emotional,” he added. Sirens can also be downloaded at 8minuteslater.bandcamp.com CRY is at www.c-r-y.org.uk