Most people in Montrose now live within half-a-mile of a heart-start machine, thanks to a fundraising campaign in the town.
A drive was launched last year to fund the equipment amid fears Montrose was lagging behind other Angus burghs in terms of 24-hour automated external defibrillator (AED) access.
The initiative was led by a small team working on behalf of the town’s Inner Wheel and Rotary clubs.
It soon reached its initial £3,000 goal for two devices, and quickly set its sights on installing even more.
It has now raised more than £16,000 meaning five AEDs have been installed in special protective cabinets and another four, possibly five, will follow.
Spokeswoman Susan Coull said: “Once this is achieved most people in Montrose, Ferryden, Hillside and Craigo will live within half a mile of an AED.
“Our thanks are due to everyone who has supported the Save a Life Montrose project.”
The first five defibrillators have been registered with the Scottish Ambulance Service.
Anyone who need to find one in a hurry can can do so by calling for an ambulance.
The operator will give the address and security code for the nearest device.
They are situated at the Access Office in the High Street; Southesk Court, Ferryden: Robert Ritchie Hi-Fi in Murray Street; Borrowfield Community Centre and Hillside Post Office.
Susan said: “It is essential that while one person fetches a defibrillator someone must perform CPR to keep the blood circulating until a defibrillator arrives to start the heart.
“Once the defibrillator is attached to the casualty it will issue instructions by voice on the subsequent course of action.
“Due to the pressures on our ambulance service it may be impossible for an ambulance crew to reach the casualty in time to successfully use their equipment and expertise.
“Montrose Emergency Services Group (MESG) has wholeheartedly supported our campaign.”
The group hopes to have First Responders and members of MESG demonstrating CPR and use of a defibrillator on August 4 during the farmers market in Montrose.
The event will take place outside the Access Office.
Dates of training sessions will also be publicised.
The clubs have taken on the project in partnership with St John Scotland Angus and Dundee and First Responders.
Guardian of the AEDs will be First Responder Melanie Cargill, local coordinator for First Responders.
