A NEW app has been launched which maps all 1,288 lifesaving defibrillators in Yorkshire.

The Save A Life app has been set up by the Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) NHS Trust, and also provides CPR guidance in the event of someone suffering a cardiac arrest.

The app is designed to make members of the public aware of their nearest AED, as well as highlighting communities which don’t have a life-saving device.

Paul Stevens, head of community resilience at YAS, said: "There has been a staggering increase in the number of AEDs across Yorkshire. Four years ago there were 100 and today there are 1,288. This app plots all the AEDs so members of the public can familiarise themselves with the location of their nearest device.

"We also hope that communities which don’t have the life-saving kit will consider purchasing one via the various funding streams which are available. However, the app should not be used in an emergency. In the event of someone suffering a cardiac arrest, you should still call 999 and will then be told the location of your nearest AED and the code needed to access it. We would encourage members of the public to proactively use the app to locate their nearest AED so that they can be prepared for an emergency situation."

Curtis Randle, from Knaresborough, was walking through the Market Place when he suffered a cardiac arrest in May 2016, right next to the town’s first public access defibrillator.

An off-duty Community First Responder and off-duty GP came to his rescue, followed by First Responder and ambulance crews.

Curtis said: "The defibrillator undoubtedly saved my life and I’m so grateful that it was there when I needed it. My family and I are now constantly looking out for defibrillators so that we know exactly where they are.

"I’m really pleased that the app has been launched, because it’s so important that people are made aware of defibrillators and how they really can make a difference."

Save a Life is available for iOS and Android and free to download.