VENT about my health club

[mrsv98]

I just posted on the WISH board about a scary experience today at my health club. A man in the row behind me collapsed from what appeared to be a heart attack while on the treadmill.

I am furious with my health club and think I will call or write the manager. People around the man jumped down to his aid right away as others went to the desk to call 911. It was at least a minute before a "trainer" came over. When he did, he stood there, letting the members continue to try and help this man. It was clear that while well meaning, they were pretty unsure what to do. Finally more trainers came to the scene. What really riles me is how unprepared these people were. They did not have an AED with them or a First Aid kit. A member actually went and found a mouth-to-mouth mask to use, they did not have one with. Now come on, you can't walk thru the mall without seeing and AED but they don't have one in a health club? No one took charge, no one went thru the ABCs. I did try and help, asking about the airway and such but was shooed away. The paramedics were there in less than 5 minutes and they were great. They man was in bad shapes tho, they were doing CPR, shocked him and intubated him. I said a prayer that he would recover.

Maybe I am expecting too much, but I think that every health club should have a least a minimum standard of care to help before Paramedics arrive. What do you think, am I being harsh?

 

[chell]

I don't think you are being too harsh.

 

[Cindy B]

I worked for a YMCA for four years, and every employee had to be CPR certified. (both adult and infant/child).

All employees also did AED training.


So, yes, it was important.

 

[Kermit]

You're right to be upset. They should have handled it better.

Does the club have a pool? Even if some of the trainers aren't trained in CPR (which they should be), the lifeguards are. Someone should have gotten one if they have them there.

 

[mrsv98]

Thanks Chell

Cindy, I was a professional nanny and we were certified. Not only were these guys not certified, there wasn't an AED to be found.

Kermit, there is a nice pool which hardly anyone uses.

I think what really upset me was that no one took charge. It was painfully obvious that the staffed had never drilled or had training in this type of situation. I think that is inexcusable in a health club and astonishing in this day and age of litigation.

I am going to call and speak to a manager on Mon about the AED.

 

[holycow]

very frightening! I definately would complain....I also hope this poor man is doing ok!
HC

 

[Pin Wizard]

That's frightening! But I never even stopped to think about it before!! They should have regular training in it. Reviews at monthly meetings...something! I would definitely talk to a higher up there. Hopefully, they'll revise some policies and get their staff in shape!

 

[mom2of2]

I work at a Fitness Center and not long ago we had an elderly man collapse on a tread mill as well. Thankfully he had the kill switch attached to his shirt (we require that) and the machine turned right off. We also have security cameras installed showing all the areas of the room so as soon as he went down we knew it. Luckily we had 2 nurses that were working out and they took charge and I was basically the "go getter" ...first stop..main desk for the AED. We are all certified in CPR and AED, the classes took 24 hours to complete but well worth it. I truly hope that I never have to use the AED but I am glad that I do have the training to do so. They are an absolute must in a Fitness Center or Senior Center.