CPR/AED & First Aid Training

In the United States sudden cardiac arrest claims about 340,000 lives each year – or around 930 every day according to the American Heart Association.  Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death on the golf course.  This is true for many reasons including the average age of golfers is typically higher than other sports. 

CPR/AED & First Aid training requires some classwork.

Onifer demonstrating the Heimlich maneuver.

Because of the likely chance that someone will experience a cardiac emergency on the golf course, all of the management staff at the golf course maintenance department have completed the certification requirements for CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers with First Aid.  What this training means is that each of us has the knowledge and skills necessary to give CPR and/or basic first aid care in an emergency situation to help sustain life and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness until medical help arrives.

Chris and Aaron learning about chest compressions.

CPR and AED training consist of two different life-saving methods.  CPR enables you to act quickly in the event of a cardiac arrest.  CPR involves chest compressions and rescue breathing to sustain a victim until help arrives. An AED is an automated external defibrillator: This device sends an electric shock to a victim to restore a heartbeat. If a victim’s heart stops beating, seconds are precious. Optimally, CPR or AED use should begin within three to five minutes of the person’s collapse. Emergency personnel won’t make it to the victim within this time, which is why we feel it is necessary for all of us to be trained.

Chris performing rescue breathing while Aaron looks on.

Fred performing chest compressions.

We are very fortunate that HFCC Fitness Director, Onifer Wilmoth is a certified American Red Cross CPR/AED, First Aid Instructor as he held our certification class at the fitness center.  Those of us in the Golf Course Maintenance Department that completed this training are; Fred Gehrisch - Superintendent, Josh Cantrell - Assistant Supt., Chris Cowan - Assistant Supt., and Aaron Brown - Equipment Manager.

Lastly, it is important that all members be aware where the portable AED's are located throughout the club.  The club owns five and they are located at the clubhouse, fitness center, swim/tennis facility, croquet pavilion, and at golf course maintenance.

Certificate of completion.

Renovated Equipment - Greens Rollers

As I have stated in the past, during the winter months when we cannot work outside, we work on preparing for the next season.  One of the things we do is refurbish equipment.  So long as parts remain available, refurbishing equipment is a very cost effective method for preserving capital and helping the operation run more efficiently.


Removing rust and old paint

HFCC owns three Salsco greens rollers that are 20 years or older.  Fortunately for us, parts are still very much available and the basic design of the machine has not changed.  What this means for us is that a new machine would not necessarily provide any real benefit over refurbishing the old units.  While the new machines are a bit faster, the old ones are as fast as we need them to be, especially with our small greens and sloping green surrounds.

Welding a new section to the ramp.

Each machine was completely disassembled and stripped of paint.  Some welding and fabrication was needed as two machines had cracked frames and all of the rollers either needed replaced or repaired.  The rollers all received new bearings, chains, sprockets, hoses, seats, and where finished off with a new coat of automotive paint.

Painted parts awaiting assembly.

Assembling the frame.

Installing the engine and hydraulics

In addition to refurbishing the rollers, the trailers that transport the rollers where refurbished.  This was a major undertaking as the trailers had cracked frames and short ramps.  Approximately half of each trailer was replaced by our staff as they fabricated new parts and welded them in place.  Each trailer was finished off with a new coat of paint and new rubber tracks.

Grinding a new longer trailer ramp.

Old trailer disassembled.

Finished trailer with longer ramp and rubber tracks.

The complete cost of refurbishing the rollers and trailers was approximately $7000.  The cost of three new rollers would have cost the club over $50,000, so the refurbishment is a very cost effective solution.  The refurbished rollers will last the club for well over five years or until parts are no longer available.

Finished rollers on their trailers.

Finished roller.

Finished roller.

Three finished rollers ready for the season.

 

#12 Drainage Update 3/4/16

With this being one of the wettest winters in memory, our winter drainage projects have gone slower than hoped.  While we were able to replace the large culverts under the fairway on #12 in November, installing the Turfdrain has not gone as planned.  Of about 25 lines of drainage that need to be installed, only about 8 have been installed as of today.  While we are hoping for improved weather, we are currently being delayed by about 4 inches of snow.

Trenching 4 feet deep.

#12 is a wet fairway that is in desperate need of good drainage.

In addition to poor weather, an excessive amount of rock has slowed the drainage project.  While we expect some rock (it is the mountains), we are hitting rock in unfortunate locations causing us to either dig a new trench or jack hammer through it. 

Plastic mats are used to haul the trench material away.

Even though the trencher removes most of the dirt, hand work is still necessary.

Even though we are behind schedule, I do believe there is enough time for us to make a huge impact on the quality of the 12th fairway.