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Dr. Ann Redgrave, chief medical officer for Great Britain’s rowing team, has called for all rowing clubs to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs).
“It disturbs me that there remain many rowing clubs that do not have their own defibrillation equipment,” Redgrave said.
AEDs are portable devices used to treat someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, often found in public spaces like government buildings, schools, and airports. While training on proper use is recommended, the Mayo Clinic says someone with no training could use an AED to reset the heartbeat of someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Using an AED could save a life, the Mayo Clinic advises.
“Every year, we learn of instances in which participants in our sport have unexpected events in which heart or circulatory problems have put their well-being at risk,” Redgrave said. “We know that defibrillators save lives, and relying on the chance of having access to a machine five minutes up the road from the boathouse is not good enough.”
AEDs range in price from $1,000 to $2,500, but British Rowing has a partnership with a charity that provides free defibrillators in the United Kingdom. The American Red Cross has a discount program that requires clubs to contact them directly.
