On Dec. 12, team members from National Fitness Partners’ Statesville, North Carolina, location were recognized during the first annual ICEMS Awards Ceremony.

Recipients for the awards were selected by their Iredell County peers for their emergency medical services, and Planet Fitness team members were recognized for their heroic efforts on two separate occasions.

In June of 2018, a member was working out at the Statesville PF when he fell off the stair climber due to cardiac arrest. Club manager Chris Seddon began CPR and utilized the AED before EMS arrived. In September of the same year, a custodian noticed an unconscious member in the free weight area and notified team members immediately. Seddon began performing CPR while several other team members prepared an AED machine for operation. Once shocks were emitted, the member regained consciousness before EMS arrived at the club.

“It’s extremely important to be properly trained to handle these types of emergencies,” said Seddon. “It makes the difference in whether someone lives or dies. Having that knowledge speaks highly of the facility and makes people feel comfortable going to a facility that they know has the CPR/AED qualifications.”

National Fitness Partners requires all new hires to be trained in CPR/AED within their first month on the job. Once team members have been certified, they are required to reinstate their certification every two years.

“It felt amazing to be recognized for our efforts,” said Seddon. “There was a standing ovation when PF employees were recognized, as we were the only civilians that were honored for the award. The team is very proud of this honor and feels very appreciated.”

Since the September incident, the member continues to come and work out at Planet Fitness and has even taken Seddon and the rest of the staff out for lunch to thank them for saving his life.

“Having the opportunity to save peoples’ lives through CPR certification makes working for PF an amazing career opportunity,” said Seddon. “Not just changing lives but also saving them when you are called to duty.”

The community of Iredell County made sure to show their appreciation for Planet Fitness team members and their impact on the community.

“I was able to attend the banquet with the Statesville Planet Fitness Staff,” said regional manager Jonah Brooks. “The PF crew received a standing ovation from a room of 200 brave men and women in attendance which included state representatives, EMS, firefighters, law enforcement, etc. This was a moment that gave me chills and was a very emotional. The director over the event spoke very highly or Planet Fitness and the actions that were taken on the days of the incident. Truly incredible!”