In what is thought to be the largest UK corporate training event of its kind, social enterprise and leisure operator GLL will be hosting a mass ‘How to Save a Life” resuscitation training event for 4,000 staff on 19th December 2024.

The event comes as GLL has registered as ResusReady with Resuscitation Council UK, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to installing defibrillators within the facilities it operates and providing associated skills training.

In addition, GLL is in the process of registering the location of all its defibrillators on “The Circuit”, the national defibrillator network that provides NHS ambulance services with vital information about defibrillators across the UK so that they can be accessed quickly to help save lives. 

In 2011 GLL became the first UK leisure operator to install defibrillators as part of a joint initiative with the London Ambulance Service and the British Heart Foundation.

Today, defibrillators are found in each of the 260 sports venues, leisure centres and gyms it operates under the ‘Better’ brand.  Staff are trained to use the devices as part of GLL’s emergency response and first aid procedures.

Simon Sen, Operations Director at GLL said: “As a leisure operator we know the huge value that having defibrillators onsite can have.  It is can literally mean the difference between life and death. 

“Our mass training event will not only ensure that our colleagues are up to date with the latest training but also raise awareness of the value of learning basic life saving techniques that are attainable by everyone.

“We are proud to have been certified by the Resuscitation Council and will be signposting our staff, their friends and family to the wealth of online resources the council makes available.”

James Cant, CEO at RCUK, said: “We’re delighted that GLL has become ResusReady. We encourage organisations and individuals across the UK to join this lifesaving initiative, ensuring everyone is prepared to act in the event of a cardiac arrest. The registration process is quick and easy and can be done in a few minutes.”

A case in point

Earlier this year (September 2024) GLL’s Fernanda Teodora da Silva, a duty manager at Walthamstow Leisure Centre, was hailed a hero having saved the life of a customer who suffered a cardiac arrest during a fitness class.

Fernanda was called to the scene when leisure centre member, 58-year-old Dom Fletcher collapsed.

“I quickly checked Dom’s chest and realised he wasn’t breathing,” Fernanda recalls. “I immediately started chest compressions while two of my colleagues prepared the defibrillator and called 999.

“I administered one shock to Dom’s chest and then a paramedic appeared on the scene. For the next four or five minutes, we worked together to administer further shocks. Dom was unconscious for around 10 minutes before he woke up and asked what was happening. I have never been so relieved.”

Dom was taken to hospital by ambulance where he stayed for ten days. Once back home, he took the time to write to the Walthamstow Leisure Centre to express his gratitude at the quick-thinking, caring and professional attitude shown by the staff.

Dom said: “Fernanda quickly took control of the situation, identified that I was not breathing and immediately initiated CPR. Her calm, speedy and effective actions undoubtedly saved my life."

 

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