EMS: Fitness Center Employee Training Requirements
Do you work at a fitness center in Wisconsin? If so, you must have these current certifications:
- CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)
- Standard first aid
The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is in charge of enforcing these requirements (Wis. Stat. § 100.178, Fitness Center Staff Requirements).
CPR certification
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has a list of Approved CPR Classes and Providers. You can get your CPR certification with an approved provider. The course must be at least equal to the American Heart Association Heartsaver certification or the American Red Cross Adult CPR certification. Both options involve four hours of instruction, practice, and testing.
CPR classes must include one-rescuer adult CPR and obstructed airway maneuvers.
Standard first aid certification
Fitness center staff must have American Red Cross standard first aid certification. You can also complete a training that’s equal to this one. It must have at least five hours of class instruction, skill practice, competency testing, and a final written exam. Training must focus on these content areas:
- Introduction to first aid training
- Basic anatomy and physiology
- Emergency movement
- EMS activation
- Injuries—Eye, nose, musculoskeletal, spinal, and head
- Legal aspects of first aid treatment
- Medical problems, such as asthma and anaphylaxis, epilepsy, diabetes, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke
- Patient assessment and evaluation
- Wound care and shock
Who to contact for help
Questions? Need to file a complaint? Contact the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection. Email datcphotline@wisconsin.gov or call 608-224-4924.