Snap Fitness in Sandwich now certified for CPR and AED use

Owner, manager and staff now certified

Kaitlyn Miller, Assistant Manager of Snap Fitness 24/7 in Sandwich, practices CPR techniques on a mannequin, as instructed by Judith M. Franklyn, R.N. of Connecting Hearts, Inc.

According to the American Heart Association, the survival rate of people with sudden cardiac arrest increases precipitously with the availability of defibrillation equipment.  Automatic Electronic Defibrillators, also known as AEDs, are now a must in many public areas in the state of Massachusetts, including fitness centers.

“It is my hope that we never have to utilize the AED or implement the CPR techniques that we learned,” says Vakalopoulos, “but our confidence is much higher in the event we have to take action.”

Snap Fitness 24/7 of Sandwich has complied with the Commonwealth’s mandate by outfitting the fitness center with an AED.   Further, the Snap Fitness staff, including the owner Elaine Vakalopoulos and Assistant Manager, Kaitlyn Miller, have received formal instruction from Connecting Hearts, Inc. of East Orleans, and have received certification on CPR and AED use.  The personal trainers on site are also CPR certified.

It used to be that defibrillators were used only by EMTs or physicians in a hospital.  However, recent technological advances have allowed people with minimal medical training to use AEDs in an emergency when medical professionals are not present. 

The units are now designed for ease of use by the layman.  Once the AED case is opened, simple computerized voice prompts deliver clear instructions.  The person rendering assistance need only expose the chest, apply the pads linked by wires to the AED, and follow the instructions.  The computer analyzes any heart rhythm and will only administer a shock if the patient requires it. 

“It is my hope that we never have to utilize the AED or implement the CPR techniques that we learned,” says Vakalopoulos, “but our confidence is much higher in the event we have to take action.”  This is particularly comforting since many members of Snap Fitness 24/7 are in their seventies and eighties, several of which have had heart issues.

Snap Fitness 24/7 Sandwich is located at 331 Cotuit Road in Sandwich, MA. 508-833-7627.

Release courtesy of Snap Sandwich.