By Chuck Leve, Executive Vice President of Business Development
The family of former San Diego Charger Pulu Poumele is suing 24 Hour Fitness claiming wrongful death, according to news reports. Poumele, 44, was playing basketball when he experienced a heart attack and collapsed.
His family alleges 24 Hour employees were unable to find the club's automated external defibrillator (AED) and after it was produced, that it was uncharged and unable to deliver a proper counter shock.
Pulu Poumele, 44, died June 4 at a 24 Hour Fitness club in Oceanside, CA, Poumele went into cardiac arrest and collapsed on the basketball court, according to a lawsuit filed in San Diego County Superior Court.
“Had [employees] been available to help him and use an AED right away, he would still be alive today,” attorney Bibianne Fell, who is representing the Poumele family, told ABC 10 News.
The 6’3, 300 lb. Poumele was the defensive coordinator for the football team at Oceanside High School — his alma mater — where he also worked as a special education teacher.
A star offensive lineman at the University of Arizona, Poumele went on to play in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens as well as San Diego. He also spent time in the Canadian Football League.
AFS’ insurance expert Jennifer Urmston-Lowe comments:
AEDs are an outstanding tool for loss control and for mitigating liability in the event of a lawsuit. However, they have to be functioning properly and a staff member or other party present has to know how to use them in order for them to be effective. 
It is a good idea to put your AEDs on the equipment maintenance schedule just like your fitness equipment and document checking them regularly. As with the maintenance of fitness equipment, follow the AED manufacturer’s instructions for service and training.
Update staff training on the AED regularly and schedule at least one employee on site during all staffed hours who knows how to use the AED. Additionally, there are AED units available now with very clear and easy to use instructions printed right on the device. It is worthwhile to invest in good AEDs to protect your members and your business.
Learn more about Insurance coverage offered through AFS
Chuck Leve is a 40-year veteran of the fitness industry and proven successful developer of fitness industry associations. Currently he serves as the Executive Vice President of Business Development for the Association of Fitness Studios (AFS). He's been involved in the creation and development of some of the most successful trade associations in the history of the fitness industry.