Two Eastside residents were saved in two days due to the quick thinking staff at a local gym and the buildings automatic external defibrillator (AED). Staff and gym members of a 24 Hour Fitness Club in Bellevue successfully used the AED twice in two days.
On Wednesday, Oct. 31, a 79-year-old male collapsed while playing racquetball at the sports club. Staff sprang into action calling 9-1-1, starting CPR, and retrieving the club’s AED from the front desk. A staff member provided the electrical shock needed to start the man’s heart. Bellevue paramedics transported the patient to hospital where he is today, conscious and alert.
On Thursday, Nov. 1, a 66-year-old male collapsed during a Zumba class. Staff called 9-1-1 while a bystander, a local physician, did CPR. With the assistance of a Bellevue Police Officer, the physician was able to provide three shocks the same AED used Wednesday.
With some additional CPR and one additional shock, paramedics were able to transport the male patient to Overlake. He is currently hospitalized in stable condition.
Studies show that patients suffering from cardiac arrest have a 70 to 80 percent chance of survival if an AED is used within minutes. Bellevue Fire representatives hope to connect the two patients with their rescuers next week at the 24 Hour Fitness located at 1505 140th Ave NE.
