Confusion over the provision of life-saving equipment is causing gym owners to get into a sweat as they weigh up the cost, training and insurance liabilities they need to address.
They say that they have been given notice by the authorities to instal automated external defibrillators (AED) as a legal requirement to carry on operating.
Owners of multiple gyms claim the cost of installing devices is one they cannot bear and remain viable and calling 999 for emergency responses has worked in the past.
Medics say every second counts and defibrillators are a necessity.
New guidelines were released by the General Sports Authority (GSA) in April, highlighting a number of safety requirements that gyms have to follow. Among these requirements is that an AED with clear instructional guidelines must be available.
The device must be used if symptoms of circulatory failure (suspected cardiac arrest) are observed.
An AED portable electronic device analyses the heart’s rhythm and delivers an electrical shock to help restore a normal heartbeat.
A sudden cardiac arrest is fatal unless treated right away with cardiopulmonary resuscitation and a defibrillator.
However, gym owners, who learned of the new requirements on a WhatsApp group, have stated that they have received no official word, despite the guidelines being on the GSA website.
According to a graphic sent to the GDN, the prices range from BD500 to BD850 depending on the model type and whether owners want to purchase a ‘Basic’ option, ‘Smart’ or ‘Premium’ – which includes a 4.3 inch display, CPR sensor and Wi-Fi.
Flex Gym owner Saleh Al Ammar believes that the price tag is too costly. “I own six branches across the country,” he said. “How am I supposed to pay for all of them?
“We have to also pay for the cost of training staff, which needs to be done properly over the course of months.
“Otherwise, we have to hire specialised staff just to operate these devices, and each gym operates morning until night, meaning I would need an extra two staff per gym. The idea is good on paper, but it is just not feasible.”
Almurbati Gym owner Adel Almurbati highlighted challenges over adequate medical knowledge.
GSA guidelines state that facilities must comply with health regulations and protocols issued by the Health Ministry, the authority and relevant sports federations.
The issue, Mr Almurbati says, comes in identifying whether an emergency requires the use of AEDs.
“How am I supposed to know whether the person has had a cardiac arrest or has fainted because of other issues such as diabetes or blood pressure?” asked Mr Almurbati.
“I do not want to shock a man and potentially kill him because I got his condition wrong. It is much safer, in my opinion, to just call an ambulance and have professionals here within a matter of minutes.”
Another Bahraini gym owner expressed concerns about the legality of using the device, and whether he would be held accountable if something went wrong.
“What if I use the device, I shock the person, and it ends up with them seriously injured or dead? I will have to answer to the authorities and I could end up being held liable because I used the machine when it was not supposed to be used.
“This should be clearly defined in the guidelines and insurance provided, otherwise, we will prefer to call 999.”
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in young athletes, often occurring without warning and often due to underlying heart conditions not known to the victim.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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