A new lifeline has emerged for gym owners who recently expressed concerns over the high cost of installing automated external defibrillators (AED), with an organisation stepping up to offer training and devices.
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.
Owners of multiple gyms claim the cost of installing devices is too prohibitive and would rather their staff call 999 in case of an emergency.
Royal Life Saving Bahrain (RLSB) is now encouraging gym owners to apply to the Elliott Walsh Defibrillator Fund, launched in memory of the former Year 5 student at St Christopher’s School, who died tragically in his sleep at his home in Saar in the early hours of February 8 last year.
Elliott
It was launched last month during a distribution ceremony, where the devices were handed out to sports academies and fitness centres, benefiting about 7,000 people in the country.
The main goal is to distribute defibrillators to members of the community for free and to provide them with the skills, knowledge and confidence to save lives.
RLSB general manager Sam Rahman praised the step by the GSA, calling gyms one of the most high risk areas for sudden cardiac arrest. “What happens in the first few minutes before the ambulance arrives is crucial,” Mr Rahman told the GDN.
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Mr Rahman
“Globally, the chances of survival outside the hospital are less than 10 per cent. If you perform CPR and use an AED, ideally within five minutes of the collapse, that chance skyrockets to about 70pc. But if nobody knows what to do, the chances of survival are effectively zero.”
Gyms who apply with the fund will receive a free AED and all the accessories that come with it. The device is Wi-Fi tracked and monitored by the RLSB, who will also provide certified training for employees for free.
Gym owners have previously expressed concerns regarding the cost and utilisation of AEDs
In return, gym staff members will be encouraged to take 90-minute live-saving workshops for both adults and children for BD5 each. The money will be reinvested into the fund to buy more devices and help other communities and sports clubs.
Mr Rahman also eased concerns from gym owners who stated they were too scared to use AEDs as they fear that they could potentially kill the person.
They previously told the GDN that they had no clue how to identify whether the situation requires an AED, or if the person fainted due to an underlying condition such as diabetes or blood pressure.
“There is a misunderstanding about how AEDs work,” said Mr Rahman. “They will only actually shock someone who requires it.
“You cannot hurt anybody with the device, once you place the pads on the persons chest, the machine decides for itself if a shock is necessary or not.
“The machines that we use for the Elliott Walsh Defibrillator Fund don’t even require you to push any buttons, the device does everything on its own.
“What is important for people is to learn how to place the pads. The devices are so easy to use that no formal training is required.
“Just turn the machine on and follow the instructions.”
He also said that the fund provides certified free four-hour CPR and defibrillator courses for all employees, just to ensure there is always someone available just in case of an emergency.
Gym owners and other community members who require an AED and relevant training can apply for one with the RLSB by scanning the QR code. Applications are reviewed by a panel and a site visit may be required.
Centres can apply for the fund by scanning the QR code
- Those looking to contribute towards the fund can do so via BenefitPay. Users should select ‘View All’ in Services, and select ‘Charity’.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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