By Ron Lane
Last week some 50 plus people gathered to listen to a talk regarding the importance of having the lifesaving device- the defibrillator- situated in premises such as work places, gymnasiums, major shopping complexes and any other destination where people are likely to congregate.
Held at Noosa Springs it was hosted by Lisa Blake and son Guy Leach (former Coolangatta Gold and Iron Man legend) who work under the name, Putting Heart into Business. Leach revealed some stats that made those present really sit up and take note.
“Information to hand tells us that 30,000 people will die of heart attack in Australia in the next year. First of all,” said Leach, “learning CPR is something that we should all endeavor to do; then when backed up by the use of the defibrillator, which we advocate should be on premises where people gather, it would hopefully enable us to greatly reduce the number of fatalities.”
After demonstrating CPR and the defibrillator Leach was joined on stage by the young lady Emily Counter who, some months ago made the National News when she collapsed (on camera) while working out on a rowing machine in her local Anytime Fitness Gym.
“At 20 I had no history of heart trouble but suddenly collapsed while doing sessions on the rowing machine. One staff immediately commenced CPR while Aaron Pettersen quickly grabbed their defibrillator and commenced working on me. Paramedics were immediately called; they arrived, took over, then transported me to hospital and later on I underwent open heart surgery. Now five weeks on I have fully recovered and started light training with runs and callisthenics. Both doctors and the paramedic said what saved my life was the immediate reaction of the gym staff. For this I will always be grateful.”
Leach and Pettersen both emphasised their concern that some 70 per cent of gyms in Australia don’t have defibrillators. They then asked a leading question, “How many major shopping centres have defibrillators in a place that is noted and is accessible?” With 30,000 deaths being an unacceptable number, to reduce this we must get our head out of the sand and start asking these questions.
