THERE are now 14 defibrillators situated around Peeblesshire which will prove vital in the event of a life or death emergency.

Innerleithen and Walkerburn Community First Responders, along with the community, have been fundraising tirelessly to kit out the community with these life-saving devices - which cost around £1,000 each.

The most recent one was placed outside Innerleithen Golf Club. 

First Responder Ian Weir said: “Next time you’re passing look out for it sited on the front of the clubhouse. We are very pleased to have been able to place a defibrillator at the golf course due to its remote location with high volumes of people on the golf course, biking and walking.”

The First Responders team assist the ambulance service with life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest and attended six calls last month. 

Their main aim is to bridge the gap between an emergency call being received and an emergency ambulance arriving in order to increase the chance of survival.

In the event of a cardiac arrest, for every minute that passes without defibrillation chances of survival decrease by about 10 per cent.

Research shows that giving a controlled shock within five minutes of collapse provides the best possible chance of survival.

Back in May, a man’s life was saved when an external defibrillator was used for the very first time by The Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team. 

One competitor suffered a cardiac arrest at a Peebles cycling event and his life was saved due to the quick action of the Mountain Rescue Team and their access to a defibrillator. 

At the time, medical officer Dr Alex McDonald said: “Today’s incident shows that a combination of basic life support training and having access to a defibrillator makes a real difference in the short time period after a casualty suffers a cardiac arrest.”

There are currently Defibrillators at:

Peebles: The Gytes, Golf Club, Tontine Hotel, and Tesco.

Innerleithen: Co-op, Vale Club, Golf course, St Ronan’s Primary, and Caravan site.

Walkerburn: Village Hall and Henry Ballantyne Memorial Institute.

Traquair: Village Hall.

Cardrona: Village Hall.

And, one at the Clovenfords Hotel.

The team of volunteers have to raise the funds they need to train and buy equipment, such as community defibrillators, themselves. 

And, they are in serious need of volunteers so if you are interested call Iain Weir on 07808767299 or visit their Facebook page.