Man resuscitated at Brookvale gym

A man has been resuscitated after collapsing at a gym at Brookvale.

Just after 10.00am yesterday morning (Monday, 09 June), NSW Ambulance responded to a report of a man collapsed and CPR in progress at a gym at Dale Street, Brookvale (main image).

Three NSW Ambulance crews were dispatched, including Intensive Care Paramedics and NSW Ambulance Inspector Kylie O’Brien. They arrived at Anytime Fitness at Warringah Mall just after 10.15am, confirming a 40-year-old man had collapsed after a cardiac arrest.

Quick-thinking staff at the gym had commenced CPR and grabbed an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) that was kept on the premises (image above), applying it and giving the man three shocks prior to the arrival of paramedics.

Once on scene, paramedics confirmed the man had experienced a cardiac arrest and took over the resuscitation effort. The initial CPR and defibrillation had been successful, restoring the man’s pulse and breathing. The man remained in a critical condition however and was taken to Northern Beaches Hospital just after 10.45am.

Paramedics praised the preparedness of the gym for having an AED and the staff present for knowing CPR and employing their first aid training effectively for the man’s resuscitation.

Following the incident, the gym was closed for the remainder of Monday. A spokesperson for Anytime Fitness confirmed the staff at the gym stepped in when they found one of their members collapsed.

“Following an incident at one of our clubs yesterday where a member was found unresponsive, we’re incredibly grateful for the swift and decisive actions of our team. Thanks to their first aid training and use of the on-site AED, the member received immediate assistance until emergency services arrived.

“As a fitness club network, all Anytime Fitness locations are equipped with AED machines, phone lines and emergency buttons connected directly to a 24/7 security service, and staffed with team members trained in CPR and first aid. This preparedness is part of our ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for every member,” said the Anytime Fitness spokesperson.

According to a Healthscope spokesperson, the man remains in a critical but stable condition today (Tuesday, 10 June) in the Intensive Care Unit at Northern Beaches Hospital.

In addition to the availability of private AEDs at businesses such as Anytime Fitness at Brookvale, Northern Beaches Council maintains a list of AEDs available in public locations across the Northern Beaches.

Images: Luke Gavahan

Officially partnered with NSW Ambulance, GoodSAM responds registered users to nearby incidents. CPR trained members of the public can register and be notified of calls for assistance nearby, providing assistance and life-saving intervention prior to the arrival of a NSW Ambulance. Register here and get the GoodSAM Responder app for Apple and Android.