ukactive has published new defibrillator guidance to help fitness and leisure operators provide life-saving support when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Developed with the British Heart Foundation (BHF), the guidance aims to help gyms, swimming pools, leisure centres, and other fitness facilities strengthen safety standards and emergency response plans.
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival rates in the UK remain low, with fewer than one in ten people surviving. However, rapid access to a defibrillator in the first few minutes can significantly increase a person’s chance of survival.
The guidance gives operators practical advice on how to:
- Install and position defibrillators effectively.
- Register devices with national systems.
- Maintain equipment so it remains reliable.
- Train staff to respond confidently in an emergency.