Sports and Fitness centers

A player collapses during a hockey game. A member goes down on a treadmill. A spectator loses consciousness in the stands. In a sports facility, these situations can happen without warning, even to someone who seemed perfectly healthy.

When it comes to sudden cardiac arrest, the first minutes are critical. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the quick use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) can help improve the chances of survival.

For an arena, a gym, a training centre or a sports complex, installing a defibrillator is an important emergency preparedness measure.

The choice of device must, however, take several factors into account: the size of the facility, the location of the playing areas, the presence of children and adults, environmental conditions and staff training.

At Cardio Choc, we offer ZOLL AED Plus and LIFEPAK CR2 defibrillation packages, suited to the needs of different sports settings.

Here is how to choose an AED and plan its installation so that it is accessible when an emergency happens.

Why install a defibrillator in a sports facility?

Physical activity supports cardiovascular health, but it doesn't completely eliminate the risk of cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest can affect an athlete, a coach, an employee or a spectator, regardless of their level of fitness.

Unlike a heart attack, which is generally a problem with blood flow to the heart muscle, cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops pumping blood effectively.

The person becomes unconscious, unresponsive and doesn't breathe normally.

You must then call 911 immediately, start CPR and use an AED as soon as one is available.

The risks don't only affect athletes

In a sports facility, managers naturally think of the safety of the people taking part in physical activity.

Yet coaches, volunteers, parents and spectators are also among the people who use the facility.

An arena can host hundreds of spectators during a tournament. A fitness centre welcomes members of all ages. A municipal complex can be used by several groups in a single day.

The defibrillation program must therefore take into account everyone who is in the facility.

An AED lets you act before emergency responders arrive

The defibrillator automatically analyzes the heart rhythm and determines whether an electric shock is advised.

It guides the rescuer with voice prompts and, depending on the model, visual prompts.

It does not replace chest compressions or the intervention of prehospital emergency services.

Its role is rather to allow quick defibrillation when the victim's heart rhythm requires it.

In a sports complex, the location and accessibility of the device can therefore make a major difference.

Which defibrillator should you choose for a sports facility?

Sports settings have particular needs.

Devices must be usable quickly in an environment that can be noisy, with a varied clientele and in facilities where distances can be considerable.

Two models offered by Cardio Choc deserve special attention.

ZOLL AED Plus: help during chest compressions

The ZOLL AED Plus stands out for its Real CPR Help technology.

When used with compatible pads, the device provides feedback on chest compressions to help the rescuer adjust their depth.

This feature can be especially valuable in a sports facility where coaches and employees have different levels of training.

The ZOLL AED Plus also provides voice prompts and illustrations that let you follow the steps of the response.

Its IP55 protection rating offers resistance to dust and water splashes, provided the manufacturer's conditions of use are followed.

This model can be a good fit for gyms, training centres and municipal sports facilities.

Discover ZOLL defibrillators.

LIFEPAK CR2: a versatile AED with child mode

The Stryker LIFEPAK CR2 combines voice prompts, visual guidance and several CPR assistance technologies.

Its cprINSIGHT technology can, under the conditions set out by the manufacturer, analyze the heart rhythm during chest compressions to reduce certain interruptions.

The CR2 also has a built-in child mode and uses QUIK-STEP pads suitable for both adult and pediatric responses.

This feature is especially valuable in facilities that host sports teams of different ages.

It also offers bilingual prompts depending on its configuration, and ClearVoice technology, which adjusts the volume of voice prompts to the ambient noise.

Some versions have Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity that can make it easier to monitor the device once compatible services are set up.

Discover LIFEPAK/Stryker defibrillators.

Comparison: ZOLL AED Plus vs. LIFEPAK CR2 for sports

Criterion — ZOLL AED Plus — LIFEPAK CR2

• Voice prompts — ZOLL AED Plus: Yes; LIFEPAK CR2: Yes
• CPR assistance — ZOLL AED Plus: Real CPR Help with compatible pads; LIFEPAK CR2: CPR guidance and cprINSIGHT
• Pediatric use — ZOLL AED Plus: Separate pediatric pads; LIFEPAK CR2: Built-in child mode
• Environmental resistance — ZOLL AED Plus: IP55; LIFEPAK CR2: IP55
• Bilingual prompts — ZOLL AED Plus: Depending on configuration; LIFEPAK CR2: Two preprogrammed languages depending on version
• Connectivity — ZOLL AED Plus: No standard built-in Wi-Fi; LIFEPAK CR2: USB, Wi-Fi or cellular depending on version
• Advantage in sports settings — ZOLL AED Plus: Compression feedback; LIFEPAK CR2: Versatility, child mode and ClearVoice

Both devices can suit a sports environment.

The choice depends on factors such as the age of the users, ambient noise, the number of AEDs to manage and the features you're looking for.

Which AED should you choose for your type of sports facility?

Arenas and hockey centres

An arena may include several rinks, change rooms, stands and various administrative areas.

During a tournament, crowds can slow people down.

The defibrillator must therefore be easy to find and accessible from the playing surfaces.

A device near the change rooms or the corridors leading to the rinks can make sense, depending on the layout.

If several ice surfaces are in the same complex, you need to assess how long it takes to retrieve the AED from each of them.

The LIFEPAK CR2 can be a good choice for facilities that host adult and child players, thanks to its built-in pediatric mode.

Gyms and training centres

In a gym, a cardiac emergency can occur during cardio training, a group class or a weightlifting session.

The AED should be accessible from the main exercise areas.

A location near reception or a central corridor can work in a small facility.

For a large centre, you need to check the distances between the different areas.

The ZOLL AED Plus's Real CPR Help technology can be valuable in guiding rescuers during chest compressions.

Aquatic centres and swimming pools

At a pool, the humid environment and the organization of rescue call for special attention.

A defibrillator must be installed in a place that is compatible with the manufacturer's storage conditions, close to the areas where it might be needed.

Before placing the pads, you must follow the AED's prompts and the applicable procedures, particularly regarding safety and preparing the victim's chest.

Staff should receive training suited to aquatic emergencies.

The choice of model must also take into account its environmental resistance and storage conditions.

Soccer clubs, outdoor fields and seasonal facilities

Soccer fields, football fields and other outdoor sports facilities present particular challenges.

Activities may take place far from the main buildings, sometimes in areas where it is harder for emergency services to get in.

The AED should be quick to retrieve during activities.

You must also plan how it will be carried and stored, in conditions that are compatible with the manufacturer's recommendations.

A device kept in a closed building during games won't necessarily meet the needs of the field.

Tennis, pickleball and racquet sports centres

Racquet sports centres may have several courts spread across different areas.

A centralized installation may be enough in some buildings, but not in all.

Managers should assess the travel times between the courts, the change rooms, the lounge areas and the location of the AED.

Clear signage helps direct employees and players quickly.

Where should you install a defibrillator in a sports facility?

Location is as important as the model you choose.

A device installed in a locked office or at the other end of a complex can be hard to retrieve during an emergency.

Aim for quick access from the main facilities

The Heart & Stroke Foundation recommends planning AED locations to aim for an optimal access time of three minutes or less.

This recommendation must account for the trip to the device and back to the victim.

In a sports facility, you therefore need to consider stairs, secured doors, corridors, stands and the distances between playing areas.

Locations to consider

Depending on the layout, an AED can be installed:

• Near reception or the main counter.
• Close to the gyms and playing surfaces.
• In an easily accessible central corridor.
• Near the change rooms or the access points to the rinks.
• In a common area serving several courts or fields.

These examples don't mean that a single device will be enough.

You need to check the actual retrieval time from the farthest locations.

Visible signage for visitors

Employees aren't the only ones who need to know where the defibrillator is.

Coaches, referees, volunteers and visitors may also be called on to retrieve the device.

Clear signage makes it easier to find.

It is also useful to include AED locations on the complex's floor plans and in the instructions given to sports teams.

How many defibrillators does a sports facility need?

There is no universal number of defibrillators that suits every complex.

A small fitness studio doesn't necessarily have the same needs as a centre with three rinks, several gyms and event spaces.

The number of devices should be assessed based on:

• The size of the facility.
• The number of buildings and floors.
• The distances between sports areas.
• Doors and controlled access points.
• Attendance during events.
• Opening hours.
• The time needed to retrieve the AED.

A good method is to run a retrieval drill from the farthest areas.

If the access time is too long, it may make sense to consider additional devices.

Is a defibrillator mandatory in a sports facility in Quebec?

It is important to distinguish safety recommendations from legal obligations.

In Quebec, there is no general obligation that automatically requires an AED in every private or public sports facility.

However, certain specific requirements may apply depending on the type of facility, its activities or the regulatory framework.

Organizations must also comply with the applicable first aid obligations.

Even where no specific obligation to install an AED applies, acquiring one can be part of an emergency preparedness effort.

Managers should therefore assess the needs of their facility and check the requirements that apply to them.

How do you prepare coaches and staff for a cardiac emergency?

Coaches, lifeguards, supervisors and employees are often the first people on the scene when an emergency occurs.

It is important that they know how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and respond quickly.

CPR and AED training

Defibrillators intended for the general public are designed to guide users.

However, hands-on training is still strongly recommended.

It helps people recognize a cardiac arrest, begin chest compressions, use the AED and coordinate the arrival of emergency services.

Coaches and volunteers who accompany sports teams can also benefit from this preparation.

An emergency plan suited to sports

The emergency plan should specify:

• Who contacts 911.
• Who retrieves the AED.
• Who responds to the victim.
• Who directs emergency services to the field or rink.
• Who looks after the other players or participants.
• Who makes sure the device is put back into service.

In an arena or a large complex, it can be useful to identify the access points reserved for emergency vehicles.

During tournaments, visiting teams should also know where the emergency equipment is located.

Using an AED on young athletes

Sports facilities frequently host children and teenagers.

The defibrillator you choose must therefore allow a response suited to the patient's age.

Some models, such as the LIFEPAK CR2, have a built-in child mode.

Others, such as the ZOLL AED Plus, require compatible pediatric pads.

The manufacturer's instructions must always be followed.

The organization should check that the appropriate accessories are available and that responders know where they are.

This check is especially important for youth sports clubs and facilities that host several age categories.

How do you protect an AED in a sports environment?

A sports facility can expose equipment to humidity, movement, temperature swings and heavy traffic.

You need to choose a location that protects the device without getting in the way of access.

Choose an appropriate cabinet

A wall cabinet keeps the AED stored and makes it easy to identify.

Depending on the environment, a model with an alarm can be useful to signal when it is opened.

However, avoid systems that needlessly delay retrieval of the device.

Watch out for extreme temperatures

In outdoor sports facilities, arenas and seasonal buildings, temperatures can vary considerably.

A defibrillator with an IP55 rating is not automatically designed to be stored in extreme cold.

You must follow the manufacturer's temperature ranges and plan a suitable storage solution.

A heated case can be considered when conditions justify it, provided you verify its compatibility and operation.

Buying or subscribing: which option for a sports facility?

The price of a defibrillator depends on the model, the accessories included and the way you acquire it.

A complete package can be especially valuable for a facility installing its first device.

Depending on the product, it may include storage accessories, signage or a rapid response kit.

Buying an AED

Buying lets the organization own the device.

It must then plan for inspections, replacement of pads and batteries, and any other maintenance needs.

The defibrillator subscription

Cardio Choc also offers an AED subscription, with no upfront cost and no commitment, subject to the applicable terms.

This option may appeal to sports clubs, facility managers and organizations that want to simplify how they manage their equipment.

Discover our defibrillator subscription solutions.

It is important to compare the included services and the applicable terms before choosing.

How do you maintain AEDs in a sports facility?

A defibrillator can sit unused for several years, but its consumables must be monitored.

Pads have an expiry date and batteries have a limited service life.

An inspection should include:

• Checking the readiness indicator.
• Confirming the location and accessibility of the AED.
• Checking the pad expiry date.
• Checking the battery condition.
• Examining the cabinet and accessories.
• Confirming that the signage is visible.
• Documenting any anomalies and uses.

The exact frequency of checks must follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

For municipal complexes or organizations with several facilities, centralized management can make tracking easier.

Cardio Choc offers AED inspection and maintenance services to help managers keep their equipment ready to respond.

What is the best defibrillator for a sports facility?

The ZOLL AED Plus and the LIFEPAK CR2 are two worthwhile devices. The ZOLL AED Plus provides feedback on chest compressions with compatible pads. The LIFEPAK CR2 has a built-in child mode and features suited to noisy environments.

Is a defibrillator mandatory in a gym in Quebec?

There is no general obligation that requires an AED in every Quebec gym. However, you should check the specific requirements that apply to the facility and comply with the rules on first aid.

Where should you install a defibrillator in an arena?

The AED should be placed in a visible location that is easy to reach from the rinks, the stands and the common areas. The choice must take into account distances and controlled access points.

How many AEDs does a sports complex need?

The number depends on the floor area, the layout and the retrieval time. Assessing travel times helps determine whether a single device is enough or whether several locations are needed.

Can you use a defibrillator on a young athlete?

Yes, with a device and settings or pads suited to the patient's age. Some models have a built-in child mode, while others require separate pediatric accessories.

Can an AED be installed near a pool?

Yes, in a suitable location that complies with the manufacturer's storage conditions. Procedures for use must take into account the specifics of the aquatic environment and the safety instructions.

Can a coach use an AED without medical training?

AEDs intended for the general public are designed to guide users. CPR and AED training is still strongly recommended.

What is the advantage of the LIFEPAK CR2 in an arena?

The LIFEPAK CR2 has ClearVoice technology, which adjusts the volume of prompts to the ambient noise. Its child mode and connectivity options can also be valuable depending on the needs of the facility.

Does an AED need to be inspected even if it has never been used?

Yes. Pads and batteries have a limited lifespan. Inspections also let you check accessibility, signage and the condition of the cabinet.

Can you equip a sports club with an AED subscription?

Yes. Cardio Choc offers subscription solutions that can make it easier to get a defibrillator and have its maintenance taken care of, according to the terms of the plan you choose.

Equip your sports facility with a defibrillator from Cardio Choc

Choosing a defibrillator for a sports facility must take into account the activities offered, the size of the facility, the age groups served and the conditions of use.

At Cardio Choc, we offer ZOLL AED Plus and LIFEPAK CR2 packages suited to the needs of gyms, arenas, training centres and other sports facilities.

Our team can also help you with installation, maintenance and managing multiple devices.

Want to compare the different technologies? Browse our full selection of defibrillators.

Need advice on equipping an arena, a gym or several sports facilities? Contact Cardio Choc to choose a solution suited to your environment and your budget.