An online map which shows the location of defibrillators across the island is now live.

It is designed to help the emergency services joint control room to direct callers to the nearest defibrillator in an emergency.

The website allows users to type in their location and the system will show their closest defibrillator.

Coordinated by Manx Care’s Ambulance Service, it also allows defibrillator owners to register their location online and, where possible, make them accessible to the public.

For example, some people may have a defibrillator in an external defibrillator cabinet, an office, shop or private building which would be made available to a member of the public in an emergency, according to Manx Care.

In addition to being used by the emergency services it will allow members of the public to locate the nearest defibrillator to where they live and work.

A statement from Manx Care said: ’It’s hoped this will significantly increase awareness of these life-saving devices within our community.’

A number of charities and organisations have been involved in the website’s development alongside Manx Care, including Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, St John Ambulance Isle of Man, Rushen Emergency Ambulance and the Manx Heart Foundation.

IT development was provided by Juan Bridson and David Collins of MannGIS, an online mapping service provided by the government.

It is currently optional to make a defibrillator accessible for public use but organisations and individuals who own a defibrillator are being encouraged to make them available.

Registering a defibrillator and making it available to the public ’will increase their availability across the island and help to save lives’, says Manx Care.

l Devices can be registered through the www.defibs.im website.