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.
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| CPR/AED & First Aid training requires some classwork. |
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| Chris performing rescue breathing while Aaron looks on. |
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| 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.
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| Certificate of completion. |
