Defibrillators installed in all cityfitness Clubs

Leading New Zealand fitness chain cityfitness has installed automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all of its 21 clubs over recent months.

In installing the AEDs, cityfitness is mindful that the devices can double a patients chance of survival when treating Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) - an abrupt loss of heart beat that kills 12 New Zealanders everyday without use of an AED.

The life-saving devices installed in each cityfitness club have been supplied by Heart Saver NZ, one of New Zealand’s leading suppliers of AED’s and Training and Community Education. While their AEDs are simple and easy to use, Heart Saver have also trained cityfitness staff members on the proper use of AEDs.

In the event that a person goes into Sudden Cardiac Arrest, sticky pads with electrodes are attached to their chest. These electrodes detect heart rhythms transferring this information to the AED, which will determine if an electric shock is needed. If so, the AED vocally and visually prompts when to give the shock. With the help of the AED shock, a normal heart rhythm may be restored.

Commenting on their installation, cityfitness Director of Fitness Neil Wagstaff explained “at cityfitness, our member’s safety and the community’s safety is important to us - we hope the new equipment will have all feeling that they are in good hands.”

SCA can affect anyone regardless of age and fitness level, with the leading cause being heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in New Zealand.

Many aquatic, fitness and recreation facilities in New Zealand are equipped with AEDs.

Last year Auckland Council equipped all of its 11 aquatic centres with the devices while the New Zealand Recreation Association (NZRA) recommends that all New Zealand aquatic facilities ensure they have easy access to AEDs.

Click here to visit the cityfitness website.

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