San Nicolás de los Arroyos Takes Bold Step for Public Safety: Gyms Now Required to Offer CPR & First Aid Training
San Nicolás de los Arroyos, Argentina – October 26, 2025 – In a landmark decision poised to significantly enhance public safety, the Honorable Deliberative Council of San Nicolás de los Arroyos has unanimously approved a new ordinance mandating CPR and First Aid training for staff at all gyms and sports centers within the district. This breaking news development, approved on Thursday, October 23rd, aims to transform the city into a network of “cardioprotected spaces,” ready to respond to sudden cardiac arrest and other medical emergencies.
What Does This Mean for Gyms and Fitness Enthusiasts?
The ordinance, a proactive measure championed by the Ministry of Health and the Directorate of Sports, isn’t simply a suggestion – it’s a requirement. Here’s a breakdown of what gyms and sports centers must now do:
- Annual Training: At least 50% of staff – including teachers, instructors, administrative personnel, and owners – must receive annual CPR and First Aid training. This ensures trained personnel are always on-site during operating hours.
- Emergency System Integration: Establishments must actively adhere to and be covered by the local medical emergency system, with clear, visible information provided to both clients and staff.
- First Aid Kits: A fully stocked and readily accessible first aid kit is now mandatory in all facilities.
- Affidavits of Fitness: New members will be required to sign an affidavit confirming they don’t have pre-existing medical conditions that would contraindicate physical activity. (This doesn’t replace existing medical certificate requirements.)
- Municipal Registry: Registration in the newly created Municipal Registry of Cardioprotected Gyms is now a prerequisite for authorization and renewal of operating licenses.
Beyond the Ordinance: Why Cardioprotected Spaces Matter
Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide, and prompt intervention – specifically CPR – dramatically increases the chances of survival. Every minute without CPR reduces the likelihood of survival by approximately 10%. This ordinance recognizes that gyms, where individuals often push their physical limits, are potential high-risk environments. But the benefits extend far beyond the gym walls.
The concept of “cardioprotected spaces” is gaining traction globally. It’s about creating communities equipped to respond to medical emergencies, not just in fitness centers, but also in schools, workplaces, and public areas. Italy, a pioneer in this field, has seen significant reductions in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest mortality rates thanks to widespread CPR training and the availability of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in public places. While this ordinance doesn’t explicitly mandate AEDs, it lays the groundwork for potential future expansion of the program.
How San Nicolás is Leading the Way – and What’s Next
The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Sports Directorate, will oversee the implementation of the ordinance. They’ll be responsible for organizing training sessions – partnering with health institutions, firefighters, the Red Cross, and specialized organizations – and ensuring compliance. Establishments that meet all requirements will be awarded the prestigious “Cardioprotected Space” certification.
The Municipal Executive Department has 90 days to finalize the regulations governing the ordinance, providing a clear roadmap for gyms and sports centers to follow. Furthermore, the ordinance actively encourages clubs, sports associations, educational institutions, and community spaces to voluntarily adopt the plan, fostering a city-wide culture of preparedness.
This initiative from San Nicolás de los Arroyos isn’t just about compliance; it’s about building a safer, more resilient community. By empowering fitness professionals with life-saving skills, the city is taking a proactive step towards protecting its citizens and setting a positive example for other municipalities to follow. Stay tuned to archyde.com for further updates on this developing story and ongoing coverage of public safety initiatives.
