Most gyms have no plans in place for dealing with medical emergencies, claims a new study.
And, although 17 percent of all health clubs reported at least one heart attack or sudden death at their facility in the last five years, only 3 percent of them have a defibrillator, the study says. A defibrillator can shock the heart into beating again until paramedics arrive. We need to expect the unexpected. That may be especially true given the changing demographics of health club membership. The survey was intended to follow up on safety recommendations for health clubs issued by the American Heart Association two years ago.