Day: October 19, 2023
Should my centre have an AED?
“Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of premature death. […] Immediate action by members of the public can save many lives.”
After discussion with First Aid providers, some member walls, and the British Heart Foundation, the ABC now recommends that walls who feel able to do so should consider having an AED on site for the safety of the centre’s own users, and for the surrounding community.
Member walls that already have AED’s have found suppliers such as Defib Warehouse and Defibstore to be helpful when selecting the most suitable device for their centre and situation. It’s also possible to get in touch with the British Heart Foundation directly for their advice.
In terms of your own commitment as an AED owner, British Heart Foundation have advised the following: “If you register your defibrillator with the Circuit (National Defibrillator Network), your local ambulance service will have its location and availability (so, if kept inside your building, your opening hours.). If a responder is sent to you as the nearest location, it is likely that they will take the defibrillator themselves. However, in some circumstances, it may be that a member of your staff is called upon to take and use a defibrillator on a patient. Whilst we always encourage the registration of defibrillators on the Circuit, the more there are publicly available, the more lives they can save, it is purely down to individual preference and the defibrillator can be kept on the premises for personal use, and hopefully never needed.”
For more information on AED’s, check out the guide below by the Resuscitation Council UK in collaboration with British Heart Foundation.
Accreditation Programme
The ABC is commencing the consultation phase of the Accreditation Programme, which was announced during the2023 ABC conference.
The climbing industry has witnessed unprecedented growth in recent years, and as we continue to expand, it’s important that we collectively continue to demonstrate our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety..
Why an Accreditation Programme is needed
The industry has experienced a surge in popularity, attracting climbers of all skill levels to walls. Our most recent member survey indicates that visits have now exceeded pre-pandemic levels, with a further 14% increase in customer numbers anticipated in the next 12 months. While this growth is certainly welcomed, it brings with it various challenges, including the possibility of increased accident rates and greater scrutiny and attention as a result.
To address these challenges and ensure the industry continues to adhere to high standards, the introduction of an Accreditation Programme is of paramount importance. The programme’s core objective is to build on our existing guidance and guidelines, supporting the development of safer and more enjoyable experiences for all.
Moreover, the establishment of a recognised Accreditation Programme will enhance the industry’s credibility and reputation, and in turn attract prospective climbers.
Volunteering and learning more
If you are an ABC member and would like to know more about the Accreditation Programme, or are interested in sitting on a steering committee which will help define the areas of focus, please contact the ABC’s Accreditation manager, Nick, at [email protected]
