Safety being probed after man dies of heart attack at Dubai gym

Municipality checks safety and equipment at registered facilities.

DUBAI // Safety in gyms is being investigated after a man in his 40s suffered a heart attack and died during a bikram yoga class.

Standards are regularly checked at health clubs and gyms registered with Dubai Municipality, although those in free zones are not inspected. Officials carry out regular spot checks and examine equipment to ensure it is in safe, working order.

First-aid kits are thoroughly checked and inspectors note whether requirements such as water and fire exits are in place.

Gyms are not required to have defibrillators, nor are personnel required to know CPR.

Most certified trainers would, however, have learnt basic CPR to have obtained their qualifications.

Danny Harrison, of Evolve Gym in Dubai, said everyone working at his gym took a first aid course.

It covered basic care including how to keep a patient alive in the case of cardiac arrest until paramedics arrived.

"Our facility has its own insurance if any of our trainers or clients pick up an injury we have the proper policy to cover it," Mr Harrison said.

To obtain such insurance, he had to meet all the standard requirements needed for a sports licence.

Gyms in Abu Dhabi must meet similar requirements set out by the General Authority of Youth and Sports Welfare to open, but it was unclear whether they were subject to inspections.