OVERLAND PARK, KS -- Staff at two clubs in the industry recently saved the lives of two members after each nearly drowned.

On Thursday in Portland, OR, the West Hills Racquet and Fitness Club staff and a physician saved a child from drowning, according to The Oregonian. The child was alert and breathing by the time fire crews and medical personnel arrived at the club, the newspaper reported. The child was expected to make a full recovery.

In June, club members and staff at a Defined Fitness in Albuquerque, NM, saved a member from drowning after he had suffered a seizure. Two members noticed that Jose Vamarrita had not come up for air, so they pulled him from the pool and notified staff. Maddie Short checked Vamarrita’s vital signs while Kevin Frey called 911. Short administered CPR and revived Vamarrita by the time paramedics arrived.

All five of Defined Fitness’ locations are equipped with an automated external defibrillator (AED), and every staff member is required to be CPR and AED certified.

“CPR training is one of those things everyone wants to do, but most people don’t get around to doing until something tragic happens,” Short says. “I’m just glad I had the training so that I could be prepared for an emergency, not the result of one.”

Defined Fitness awarded Short, Frey and two other employees with the Defined Hero Award. They also were recognized along with Vamarrita by throwing out the first pitch at an Albuquerque Isotopes’ minor-league baseball game on June 26.

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