A DEFIBRILLATOR has now been installed in Backwell to enable villagers to access the life-saving equipment in emergencies.

The kit has been installed outside Backwell Medical Centre, West Town Road, and will be available at all times for villagers to use.

To use the defibrillator, residents just need to call 999 and emergency staff will give them a code so they can access the kit.

Residents do not need medical training to operate the equipment, which uses simple audio prompts to talk users through each step of the resuscitation process.

The partners at Backwell Medical Centre said: “We are delighted that this excellent initiative has come to Backwell and would like to thank all those who were responsible for the installation.

“A facility such as this really can save lives and this is a worthwhile piece of medical equipment for the community.

“We feel it is important that the defibrillator is located somewhere that is visible and where one might instinctively look in an emergency situation and as such would hope that the front of Backwell Surgery would be ideal.”

Backwell Medical Surgery has agreed to act as guardian of the equipment and test it every two weeks.

Backwell Parish Council paid �2,000 for automated external defibrillator which is used to treat heart attack victims.

Council chairman Bob Taylor said: “We just want to inform the people of Backwell that the parish council bought it so it can be available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

“If it saves a life, it’s money well spent.”