Cardiac arrest victims can have their chances of survival tripled if a defibrillator is used promptly and effectively during resuscitation, underlining the importance of professional life support training for workers in the leisure industry.

A leading South West first aid training provider is now spearheading a campaign to make sure staff at leisure attractions are adequately trained in the use of a an Automated External Defibrillator or AED for short.

The Training Centre, which is based in Newquay, Cornwall, wants to ensure all leisure attractions adopt and maintain a policy of regular defibrillation training for key staff members - a move it believes may significantly improve the prospects of saving the lives of customers or visitors who suffer a cardiac arrest on their premises.

David Whelan, Course Manager at The Training Centre, explained: “There is approximately only a 5% chance of surviving a cardiac arrest with basic CPR alone, even if the rescuers arrive at the scene straight away. Include a defibrillator and prospects may rise to 20%. At these odds, it’s imperative that leisure workers know how to use defibrillator in conjunction with basic life support, and are refreshed in those skills on an annual basis’’

Common causes of sudden cardiac arrest, (SCA), where the heart stops pumping blood and oxygen around the body, include pre-existing heart conditions, reaction to drugs, electrocution, blows to the chest and hypothermia.

Mr Whelan added: “Cardiac arrest can occur anywhere, but unfortunately happens more often in leisure centres, gyms and pools where people push themselves harder than they would on a day to day basis. Staff at leisure centres and attractions tend to be the first responders in many emergency rescues.”

The Training Centre kicked off the campaign this month by running a complimentary course for members of staff at local leisure centre Waterworld.

A group of 12 pool lifeguards, gym instructors and office staff at Waterworld underwent the intensive two-hour training and assessment programme to refresh their knowledge of defibrillation techniques.

Centre manager Maureen Trevenna commented: “Luckily we’ve never had to use a defibrillator but we always ensure that there is someone on site who has been trained in its use in case of emergencies.

“Many of the attendees had already been trained in the use of defibrillation equipment but this course served as an important refresher to update their knowledge.”

Defibrillation is one of many first aid courses offered by The Training Centre at venues nationwide and at its headquarters at Lusty Glaze Beach in Newquay, Cornwall.

Anyone interested in defibrillation or any other first aid courses should call The Training Centre on 01637 879642 or visit www.Training-Centre.org