Article Contributed on: 10/13/2009 8:50:41 PM
The Colorado Parks and Recreation Association recently honored the City of Lakewood Recreation Division with the 2009 Columbine Award for the Lifesaving Audit Program.
The Colorado Parks and Recreation Association annually recognizes and celebrates individuals and organizations that contribute to the success and value of the parks and recreation in Colorado. The Columbine Award recognizes innovation in administration, management or supervisory actions that responded to problems, improved service to the public, increased employee morale or staff development, or enhanced communications between the public, boards, councils and staff.
In an effort to strive for excellence in its lifesaving practices, Lakewood Recreation implemented a Lifesaving Audit Program in early 2008. The program was created in partnership with the West Metro Fire Protection District. In these unannounced drills, staff members pose as injured patrons providing facility staff the chance to practice CPR and lifesaving skills as well as teamwork during a medical emergency. These drills offer an opportunity for Lakewood Recreation and West Metro to explore ways of communicating that would better serve each other and the patrons.
Lakewood Recreation has a history of providing quality emergency services to the public when the need arises. Lakewood Recreation staff has exceeded the required training and preparation for emergency situations by creating the Lifesaving Audit Program
West Metro has commented that the Lifesaving Audit Program raises the bar in terms of recreation emergency preparedness, and that Lakewood Recreation staff have acquired the skills necessary to perform excellent emergency care. Because the Audit Program allows for clear communication between West Metro and Lakewood Recreation about needs and procedures before an emergency occurs, the stage is set for a smooth working relationship and clear understanding of expectations when an incident does happen.
For additional information on the Lifesaving Audit Program, please call 720-963-5368.
Rhetta W. Shead
Marketing and Promotion Supervisor