A RETIRED paramedic is encouraging Borderers to do all they can to make people aware of defibrillators.

Colin Baxter, who helped launch the Border Telegraph and Peeblesshire News’ ‘Heart of the Community’ campaign, says it’s important that people know where the nearest life-saving equipment is and how to use it.

And there is a mobile app that can help out.

When we launched our campaign back in May, there were 268 defibrillators in the region. Now there are around 300.

Mr Baxter, who has been campaigning to improve survival rates for the past four years, said: “It is important that we keep going and keep promoting the cause.

“The Borders is still the Scottish capital for surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.

“There are more and more defibrillators being added to the Crowdsav mobile phone app. It is a great tool. There are around 300 in the region and the app will show you where the closest one is.”

Kelso-born Colin, who worked in the medical profession for 37 years, has played a major role in installing and maintaining defibrillators around the region since his retirement.

He added: “I seem to be busier now than when I was working. Recently I have been installing down in the Ettrick Valley.

“There’s so much being done these days. We have the apps to help direct people to defibs and recently the British Heart Foundation has been doing a lot of work focussing on heart attacks after Glenn Hoddle [former England football manager] collapsed in the BT Sport studios.

“I would encourage people to download and use the Crowdsav app as it is constantly updated.”

You can download the Crowdsav app on any smartphone from the Apple app store or on Google Play.

Do you have a story you would like to share with us?

Or are you fundraising for a defibrillator? Email callum.hodgson@newsquest.co.uk or call 01896 758 469.