Do you need any AED? It is a simple question with a simple answer. Yes! You need an AED.
But, why? That is what we hope to answer here.
Let’s assume for a moment that you own a gym. It is up and running, you are training people, and you are gaining members. Suddenly, on a random Tuesday, a member goes down. Or, a member gets really pale, starts complaining that he or she feels faint, and then passes out. Best case scenario, he or she is dehydrated and just needs some water and cool air. Worst case scenario, he or she is having a heart attack and the next few minutes are critical.
What Do You Do?
First, you need a standard operating procedure (SOP) in place to tell your staff what to do: Call 911. It doesn’t matter if the member tries to refuse the ambulance out of fear that it will cost too much money. This is your business, it is your liability (potentially), call 911.
Next, you need to pull out the AED and allow the device to start assessing the member. If you don’t have an AED, this is a problem. Chances are your gym/the workout didn’t cause the heart attack. However, if you don’t have an AED on site, and the member dies, you are legally exposed. On the other hand, if you have an AED on site, you take steps to use it, and the member dies, you are better protected.
What Does Your State Require?
Different states have different laws around life saving intervention like AEDs. Some states require gyms to have AEDs on site. Other states not only require the AED on site, but also require all trainers to be certified to use the AED. Do you know what your state requires?
More Information
If you want more information about AEDs and how to get one, check this out from our friends at A Guard: https://affiliateguard.info/aed-saves-lives/
We exist to help gym owners avoid legal issues. This is a big one. Like an insurance policy, you may never need the AED. But, if you do, you will be thankful you have it.
