A massive initiative to train a 100,000-strong army of lifesavers is underway as volunteers in Cork were honoured for reaching a milestone.

Insurance companies have been accused of “putting lives at risk” by loading levies of up to 20% on premiums for motorists who volunteer to respond to medical emergencies in their communities.

A network of specially trained volunteers, who can be called on to attend cardiac victims before an ambulance arrives, is being rolled out across the country.