A 68-YEAR-old man has praised the Quick action and composure of his fitness instructor who resuscitated him after he stopped breathing.
Wilfred Miles was on the treadmill at Genesis Fitness Club in Oakleigh for his usual weekly workout when he started feeling dizzy.
Personal trainer Adam Howes immediately checked Mr Miles’ airways and circulation and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
“He wasn’t aware of where he was. Then he just stopped breathing and his lips went blue,” Mr Howes said.
By the time the ambulance arrived, Mr Miles was conscious and aware of his surroundings.
“I ended up in a heap on the floor and, when I woke up, there was Adam,” Mr Miles said.
“I realise how close I came to being carried out in a body bag.
“I was very fortunate it happened at the gym where there were people around who knew what they were doing.”
Ambulance officer Bryan MacDonald said Mr Miles was fortunate Mr Howes noticed him fall and took quick action.
A Genesis Fitness Club spokeswoman said all personal trainers at the gym had a Level 1 first aid certificate and updated their knowledge of CPR every year.
“In a first for Victorian fitness clubs, they have also recently purchased on-site defibrillators for their four centres.”
Club director and Fitness Victoria president Jehrom Clift said all fitness centres should invest in lifesaving equipment.
“Cardiac arrest strikes more than 30,000 Australians every year – most with no warning.
“A recent study showed that 86per cent of cardiac arrest victims at the MCG left the venue alive after a defibrillator was used, compared to the average Australian survival rate of just 3 per cent.”
He said fitness centres could not afford to neglect to have a defibrillator on site.
