The Availability of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) in Tucson Weight Rooms

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To determine the availability of AEDs in Tucson weight rooms and fitness centers. This study also examined the prevalence of use of AEDs in facilities that report having one on site. METHODS: Weight rooms and fitness centers containing weight-bearing equipment in the major metropolitan area of Tucson were telephoned to partake in a questionnaire. The researchers asked for a manager to partake in the questionnaire at the time the call was made. Collected information included the presence of an AED, the use of the AED in the past year, frequency of AED testing to ensure proper function of the device, and the acquisition of gym member health history. RESULTS: A total of 68 weight rooms were called, and 9 numbers had been disconnected or were no longer in service. Thirteen had not responded after 3 attempts therefore, a total of 46 weight rooms were reached. Eighteen weight rooms had AEDs (39%), 22 weight rooms did not have an AED (48%) and 6 weight rooms declined to answer the questionnaire (13%). Exactly half of the 46 weight rooms gathered medical history from their members. Of the 18 weight rooms with AEDs, 14 affirmed that it was tested to make sure it worked. Test frequency ranged from daily to yearly with half (7 weight rooms) testing monthly. Only one weight room reported that their AED had been used before. CONCLUSION: Less than half of the weight rooms had AEDs on site. It was hypothesized that 70% of the weight rooms would have an AED. Therefore, the hypothesis about the prevalence of AEDs in Tucson weight rooms was incorrect. In contrast, the hypothesis about how many weight rooms have used their AED was correct; less than 10% of the weight rooms with AEDs had used one in the past year.