If you’ve ever suffered from cardiac arrest, then you know how important the use of an AED device is. Cardiac arrest is considered as one of the top reasons for an emergency room visit, and it can be a very traumatic event. When this happens, the medical staff will work to determine whether or not an AED is necessary. AED devices, however, are not just limited to hospitals and medical settings. You’ll also find portable, and even wearable AED units available for purchase.
What Is An AED Device?
AED stands for Automated External Defibrillator. This is a portable and lightweight device that administers defibrillation, or an electric shock, to a person’s heart when they’re experiencing irregular heartbeats, so that the heart can restore its regular rhythm. AED devices are typically used to help people who are suffering from a cardiac arrest to reduce the risks of fatalities and severe damage, which usually happen when the heart malfunctions or isn’t beating.
Benefits Of Having An AED Device In Your Gym
If you’re planning to build your gym, getting gym equipment isn’t the only thing that you have to think about. The safety of your clients should always be your top priority. A first aid kit is, of course, a given. However, you should also make sure that you’re choosing the best AED unit for your gym. Not only should you have this device, you should also have someone qualified to use and operate it. It’s highly recommended that you have at least one staff member with AED & CPR training so that your gym can respond to emergencies right away.
Staying physically fit and healthy might be more challenging especially if your clients have heart problems. It’s not always possible for you to monitor them all the time to prevent them over-exhausting their hearts and bodies. When they’re working out, they’ll get tired and increase their heart rate. While adrenaline might be present, the possibility of their heartbeat slowing down to a full stop is also present.
The risk of a cardiac arrest is always there while they’re hitting the gym. Since it’s impossible for you to disallow people from entering your premises when they have a heart problem, you should adapt and implement a suitable program to help keep them safe and healthy.
Here are some essential things to keep in mind when equipping your gym with an AED device:
- According to statistics, more than 350,000 people experience unexpected cardiac arrests each year in the United States alone. Cardiac arrests are an ever-present threat and you’ll never know who’s next in line. This could be a member of your gym, and it could happen right when they’re on the treadmill. It’s better to be prepared for the worst-case scenario, instead of being caught completely unaware.
- Aside from calling an ambulance, your staff should be properly trained on what they should do in case of emergencies. With cardiac arrest, every minute matters. Have your staff be trained with CPR and AED usage so that they’ll know immediately what they need to do and could respond well when someone is having a cardiac arrest.
- It’s also smart to have multiple AED devices, especially if you have a larger gym so that you wouldn’t have to run back and forth just to get the AED device, wasting more minutes that could be spent reviving the person. AED devices should be placed in an area where they’re easily accessible. It should not be more than 3 minutes away as there are lives at stake and every minute counts.
AED Device Buying Guide
When it comes to saving lives, you should never settle for a subpar AED device. Here are the things that you should look out for when buying one for your gym:
- Ease of use – Since this will most likely be used during emergencies, it would be extremely helpful if the AED device is easy to use so that responders would be able provide aid immediately.
- Practice Mode – It would be ideal if your AED device has a practice mode so that your staff would be able to practice and be ready to provide speedy and accurate help when needed.
- Efficacy – Make sure that your AED device provides live feedback about the quality of your CPR so you’ll know if your actions are effective.
Conclusion
No one can predict when a cardiac arrest would occur. But when it happens, you don’t want to be caught unprepared. Equip your gym with at least one AED device that’s placed in an easily accessible location. If you can afford it, invest in multiple AED devices. Sure, it might be expensive, but the life that you’re going to save is priceless. It’s always better to be prepared for any injuries or illnesses that might happen inside your gym, so make sure your staff members are well-equipped and prepared when these happen.