Jack Swem had just started his early morning workout on Dec. 2 at Sports, Fitness & Fun in Florida, N.Y. when he passed out and began shaking on the floor. Instantly, members in the club noticed Swem and called for assistance.
Jason Sanchez, a personal trainer and kettlebells specialist, ran to Swem’s side. Swem, 53, promptly stopped shaking, but also stopped breathing. Relying on his training, Sanchez worked quickly, placing defibrillator pads on Swem’s chest.
He waited for the shock then administered CPR. Nothing was working.
Sanchez initiated the procedure again – then again – until Swem’s heartbeat returned. The emergency workers arrived shortly thereafter and Swem was taken to the Critical Care Unit of a local hospital.
The incident occurred two weeks short of Swem’s 58th birthday. On the Sunday prior to Swem falling, General Manager Roberta Kruse-Fordham, told Swem she needed an emergency contact and he said he didn’t have one. Kruse pushed the issue with Swem and he said, “I’ll give it to you next time. I don’t have the information with me.”
Swem’s next workout subsequently was the day he collapsed.
Swem was moved to a specialty hospital where a pace maker was implanted. Kruse has met with Swem and joked with him on a serious level concerning his emergency contact information. During Swem’s incident the club didn’t have anyone to contact. Since, Swem has happily provided Sports, Fitness & Fun with his emergency contact and taken the team out for a well-deserved dinner.
Clubs should have employees and staff that are CPR certified. Getting employees CPR certified can be easy. Most cities provide cheap CPR classes a few times a year. Contact your city’s event planner for a list of possible CPR classes throughout the year. Also, your club could bring in a professional to train your staff in a week. If you opened the classes to members for a minimal fee, it could give members and employees time to socialize with each other and help pay for the instructor.
When Swem went unconscious he didn’t have anyone the club could contact. Make sure you have emergency contact information for everyone in your club – if not for your sake, then the sake of your members.
