Exerciser hospitalised after being crushed by barbell at Brisbane gym

A gymgoer is in a serious condition in hospital after being crushed by a barbell while exercising at Snap Fitness Spring Hill in Brisbane gym.

The man, who paramedics say is about 30 years old, was working out at Snap Fitness in Spring Hill when a barbell fell on him.

Paramedics were called at 5:47am.

Queensland Ambulance Service Clinical Director, Lachlan Parker advised "his injuries were very severe, so we dispatched two crews including a critical care paramedic," QAS clinical director Lachlan Parker said.

"It's a little bit unknown exactly what happened but it does appear he has been struck by a weight … causing his head and chest to suffer significant injuries."

Parker said fellow gymgoers rushed to help the man, calling emergency services and performing first aid with the help of the operators.

He added "his injuries were so severe that when we arrived on scene that cardio-pulmonary resuscitation was being performed by bystanders."

Paramedics resuscitated and anaesthetised the man before taking him to the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.

Parker went on to say “we want to just pass on our regards to the patient and his family and hope everything goes well and compliment the bystanders on scene that aided the paramedics significantly.

"In a perfect environment we should always be with people when we're in the gyms … and in case you're in a gym when something happens to someone else, you should make sure you understand where the defibrillators are, how to call triple-0 and provide any assistance."

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WorkSafe Queensland) inspectors are reported to be investigating the incident.

Image: The weights floor at Snap Fitness Spring Hill. Image used for illustrative purposes only. Credit: Snap Fitness.