As a fitness enthusiast, your first thought may not be about the importance of feeling safe and confident when stepping into a gym environment but luckily, ours is. At Franciscan Health Fitness Centers Chesterton, we know that creating a safe environment goes beyond providing topnotch facilities and equipment. That’s why we invest in comprehensive training for our fitness center employees, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to various situations, from sanitizing equipment to handling medical emergencies. “The health and safety of our members, patients and co-workers will always be our top priority,” says Jill Schneider, Fitness Center Manager. Here is a glimpse into the rigorous training programs and certifications our employees receive, aimed at ensuring the safety and security of our members and staff.
CPR and First Aid Certification: Safety is at the top of our list. All fitness center employees are trained and certified in American Heart Association CPR and First Aid and our Lifeguards are certified in American Red Cross CPR/AED/First Aid. Certifications are required to be renewed every two years, with drills being performed frequently to ensure skills are retained and polished. Whether it’s a minor injury or a medical emergency, every member of our staff is prepared to handle any situation swiftly and effectively.
AED Drills: AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Drills are conducted monthly to ensure our staff is trained and well-prepared to handle any emergency situation, including sudden cardiac arrest. Our employees undergo comprehensive training sessions on how to operate an AED, recognize signs of sudden cardiac arrest, and provide effective life saving techniques.
Water Rescue: Water safety is another top priority. Our staff members participate in important water rescue training, learning techniques for rescuing individuals in distress in the water. From proper rescue techniques to safely removing individuals from the water using rescue tubes, ring buoys or back boarding, our employees are prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to aquatic emergencies. Each Manager On Duty (MOD) Fitness Department Employee, Physical Therapist, Aquatic Personal Trainer and Aquatic Group Exercise Instructor completes extensive water rescue training annually, while our Lifegaurds train quarterly.
De-escalation Techniques: In situations where conflicts or tensions arise, our employees are trained in de-escalation techniques to defuse potentially volatile situations calmly and effectively. By fostering a culture of respect and understanding, we aim to create a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone feels safe, valued and respected. All employees are required to complete computer-based training on an annual basis.
Weather Warning/Tornado Drills: Our Manager on Duty monitors weather conditions by way of radio or computer and directs all persons in the building to take shelter in identified protected areas until the severe weather has passed. Each employee is assigned an area to ensure that everyone is in the designated emergency shelter areas. These guidelines are reviewed annually by all staff.
Fire/Evacuation Procedures: Safety extends beyond medical emergencies to include situations such as fire alarms or other emergencies requiring evacuation. Our employees are well-versed in evacuation procedures, including designated exit routes, assembly points, and protocols for safely guiding members to safety in the event of an emergency. Chesterton Fire Department trains FHFC staff annually on the proper way to use a fire extinguisher. Our staff practices evacuation drills twice yearly.
Active Shooter Drills: While rare, we recognize the importance of being prepared for worst-case scenarios. Our staff undergoes training annually in active shooter response protocols, including strategies for quickly assessing and responding to threats, safeguarding members, and coordinating with law enforcement authorities to ensure a swift response.
“The live drills and role play scenarios allow our co-workers to gain quality practice time, improve their trouble shooting skills, increase confidence as well as comfort in any situation that may arise on their shift. Working together as a team increases our positive outcomes in all emergencies,” states Jill Schneider, Fitness Center Manager. “By investing in comprehensive training programs, we empower our employees to effectively respond to a wide range of emergency situations. At Franciscan Health Fitness Centers, safety is not just a priority – it’s a commitment.”