We Answer a Commonly Asked Question

A commonly asked question is: does X place need an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)?   It is true that there is a greater need for AEDs in some places more than others.  The presence of an AED in your fitness center can mean the difference between life and death. AEDs have progressed a lot over the past 20 years and are now very user-friendly and affordable. 

SCA Is More Common Than You Think

More than 35,000 Canadians suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests each year. This past year has seen this number increase significantly due to Covid-19.  Many thousands of Canadians die each year simply because an AED was not readily available.  

Strenuous Exercise Raises Short-term Risk of Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest 

Many cardiac arrests occur while people are exercising  A study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that about 16% of public, indoor sudden cardiac arrests reported over a 12-year period occurred at an exercise facility.

This is not an excuse for ditching your workouts. Physical fitness is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle. In fact, physical exercise remains one of the best ways to lower overall heart disease risk.

AEDs Improve Survival Odds in Fitness Centers

Another study found that people who suffered cardiac arrest in traditional exercise facilities had a significantly higher survival rate compared to people who were in non-traditional exercise facilities such as community centers or dance studios.

The reason is because fitness centers and gyms are more likely to have AEDs and people on staff who are trained to use them than many other locations. Gyms are also more likely to have multiple AEDs throughout the facility. Poolside, cycling studios, weight rooms, cardio floors, and by the entrance are all common gym AED locations.

Your Province May Currently or Soon Require One

Some laws regarding AEDs currently exist in Canada and several new ones are in the works. Any fitness facility that does not have an AED even if your province hasn’t mandated them yet runs the risk of being seen as acting with indifference to the welfare and safety of its patrons and members. In other words, it’s your duty of care and it truly has become a reasonable expectation for all fitness facilities to have units.   

Liability Protection

Facilities with AEDs may have lower insurance premiums because they’re less likely to endure liability lawsuits filed by grieving families.

To find out which AED is right for your gym or fitness facility or to schedule  a consultation please go to www.aed.ca or contact us at 1-833-428-3233 or info@aed.ca.  We are Canada’s AED Company and are here to help!

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