Training & Knowledge Saves
Release Date: Mar. 27, 2007
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill., March 27, 2007—The #1 concern on everyone’s mind at the Park District of Highland Park is safety. Is the play equipment safe for children to be climbing on? Is our staff trained for first aid, CPR and AED? Does each camp have a first aid kit at its location?
TRAINING & KNOWLEDGE GOES A LONG WAY
All staff is trained in first aid, CPR and AED. This knowledge helped save a 61-year-old tennis player last November. Cathy Witchie was working her morning shift at Deer Creek Courts when a coworker ran upstairs from the courts and alerted her to call 911 because a tennis player just collapsed. Cathy made the emergency call, grabbed the AED and headed downstairs. Two club members, who also happened to be physicians, were already administering CPR. The three of them used the facility’s AED and almost immediately after they administered a shock, the victim of a 100% coronary artery blockage responded by taking a breath. By the time the paramedics arrived the victim was breathing regularly and color returned to his face. Thanks to the quick thinking and training that Cathy had a life was saved.
The Park District makes several efforts to receive feedback from the community. If residents see a problem at a park or facility they are encouraged to call the Park District’s Safety Hotline at 847.831.3968, 24/7. Also, Park Rangers monitor the parks each day. If you see them and have a question or comment they will be more than happy to assist you. The Park District also has a safety committee that allows staff from varying areas to meet, discuss and resolve safety concerns.
What fun would it be to have a safe agency, save lives, be available to safety concerns 24/7, participate in wellness programs and so much more if no one knew it. In 2006, the Park District of Highland Park was awarded PDRMA’s highest loss control award. This award recognizes that the Park District has established and implemented a comprehensive loss prevention program to manage the specific loss exposures that exist at our agency.
If you would like more information about the Park District’s efforts to remain safe and healthy please call 847.831.3810.
TRAINING & KNOWLEDGE GOES A LONG WAY
All staff is trained in first aid, CPR and AED. This knowledge helped save a 61-year-old tennis player last November. Cathy Witchie was working her morning shift at Deer Creek Courts when a coworker ran upstairs from the courts and alerted her to call 911 because a tennis player just collapsed. Cathy made the emergency call, grabbed the AED and headed downstairs. Two club members, who also happened to be physicians, were already administering CPR. The three of them used the facility’s AED and almost immediately after they administered a shock, the victim of a 100% coronary artery blockage responded by taking a breath. By the time the paramedics arrived the victim was breathing regularly and color returned to his face. Thanks to the quick thinking and training that Cathy had a life was saved.
WELLNESS FOR EVERYONE
In order to take care of others we have to take care of ourselves. To do that the Park District initiated a wellness program to encourage staff to choose healthier lifestyles. This six-month program provides motivation and support for those who want to lose weight, eat healthier, start a fitness program or weight train. The Park District also takes part in additional wellness programs offered by our risk management agency, PDRMA. Programs like Active for Life and 10,000 Steps encourages people to work out or walk the extra steps to meet their individual goal.
The Park District makes several efforts to receive feedback from the community. If residents see a problem at a park or facility they are encouraged to call the Park District’s Safety Hotline at 847.831.3968, 24/7. Also, Park Rangers monitor the parks each day. If you see them and have a question or comment they will be more than happy to assist you. The Park District also has a safety committee that allows staff from varying areas to meet, discuss and resolve safety concerns.
RISK MANAGEMENT
The #1 reason to be safe is for our patrons and staff. The added bonus to being a safe agency is being part of PDRMA. PDRMA allows us to participate in additional training sessions, receive lower coverage rates for insurance and take part in exceptional coverage limits that aren’t available in the general marketplace.
What fun would it be to have a safe agency, save lives, be available to safety concerns 24/7, participate in wellness programs and so much more if no one knew it. In 2006, the Park District of Highland Park was awarded PDRMA’s highest loss control award. This award recognizes that the Park District has established and implemented a comprehensive loss prevention program to manage the specific loss exposures that exist at our agency.
If you would like more information about the Park District’s efforts to remain safe and healthy please call 847.831.3810.
About the Park District of Highland Park
The Park District of Highland Park, founded in 1909, operates and manages over 600 acres of land in 44 park areas, and offers approximately 2,800 recreation and seasonal programs. Facilities include an indoor ice arena, indoor tennis and racquetball complex, two recreation centers, a nature center, an 18-hole golf course, driving range, adventure golf, aquapark, beaches, boat launch ramp and yacht club on Lake Michigan.
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