Choosing the right gym Defibrillator(Defib) is vital for fitness clubs looking to provide proper safety for their club members. In 2019/20,  there were more than 6 million people attending 7000 gyms in the U.K. Couple that with the fact that strenuous activity boosts a person’s risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), and it’s easy to see why it’s critical to have the best Defib in your gym.

At Defibs.co.uk we think every fitness centre should have a Defib at the ready. These devices are hugely important in preventing death in the event of cardiac arrest. The key is choosing the right device for your gym.

How to Choose a Defib for a Gym

• They tend to be small in size
• They perform regular self-tests to ensure readiness
• They deliver shocks to the heart with one-button control.

Ease of Use

You don’t know who will be clocked in when an emergency strikes, so it’s critical to have a Defib that’s simple enough for any layperson to use. Look for models that offer real-time visual or audible instructions for both CPR and defibrillation. One- or two-button models are best, as you want a simple, streamlined operation.

Ease of Movement

When a cardiac event occurs, you have to act fast to get the person’s heart rhythms back in order. Grab the Defib from its cabinet and rush across the facility to the victim. In other words, you need a defib that’s both lightweight and durable. Look for models that are under 2.5 KG and those that have undergone and passed rigorous drop testing.

Affordable Pricing

An automated external defibrillator shouldn’t be a huge financial burden. Most fitness centers operate with extensive overhead costs including maintenance, personnel, and fitness classes. You don’t want to spend more than necessary on your defibrillator. 

The Best Defibs for Gyms

When choosing an AED for your gym, keep in mind that not all brands are created equal. When looking at pricing, portability, and ease of use as deciding factors, certain models stand above the rest.

Defibtech Lifeline Pro

When it comes to ease of use, the Defibtech Lifeline VIEW is unparalleled. It’s one of the few defibs to offer full-colour video demonstration in real time. On-screen personal coaching demonstrates CPR, rescue breathing, and external defibrillation. The user can even toggle between different types of lifesaving instruction depending on their level of training.

The Pro is perhaps the best Defib for gyms. It has won awards for its lightweight ergonomic design and it weighs less than 1.5kg. It also has the highest available rating for drop/shock testing and is water- and dust-resistant. If you have to race this device across the gym in an emergency, you never have to worry about the consequences of dropping it.

The Defibtech Pro is £2,199. Though it’s not the most inexpensive device available, it’s still a bargain considering its unparalleled ease of use.

The HeartSine Samaritan PAD 350P 

The Samaritan PAD 350P is probably HeartSine’s best and most cost-effective model – and  a near-perfect gym Defib device. It offers real-time CPR and defibrillation coaching for both novice and experienced users, and the simple two-button operation eliminates confusion in an emergency situation. One button turns on the device and initiates the coaching process, and the other button delivers shock.

Like the Pro, this model is lightweight and durable. At roughly 1 kg, it’s one of the lightest defibrillators you’ll find, but still boasts the highest-available durability ratings, including an IP56 Dust & Water Rating.

The Samaritan PAD 350P is available for just £745.

Cardiac Science G5 Full Automatic Defibrillator

The Cardiac Science G5 Full Automatic defibrillator is another affordable option that’s easy to use. It has been developed to allow persons with limited first aid knowledge to keep calm and successfully operate the life saving unit. The G5 has also been tested to military standards so it will easily cope with any environment in  your gym. 

The Cardiac Science G5 is available for just £995, making it one of the most cost-effective Defibs for gym safety. 

Top Accessories for Gym Defibrillators

Gym owners will also want to stock up on basic accessories when purchasing an Defib for their gym.

• A wall cabinet: A cabinet provides you with a secure, central location for your defibrillator. Many Defib cabinets can be connected to your central security system to signal an alert in the event of an emergency.
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• Extra pads and batteries: If your pads or battery fail for any reason, you need to have extras on hand. Batteries can fail, and pads can only be used once. In addition, these parts have expiration dates. Make sure to equip backup AED batteries and pads that fit your model.

Whatever you need for your Defibrillator, Defibs.co.uk are here to help.