"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - Casino Employees Help Save Life of Patron

"CNE Chief Executive Officer David Stewart recognizes Joe Wilson, Senior Security Manager, and Security Supervisor Greg Lee at Monday's Tribal Council Meeting. Fellow Security Officer Greg Henson was not present."

ROLAND, OKLAHOMA - Thanks to the quick-thinking and preparedness of two Cherokee Casino Roland employees, a casino patron is fortunate to be alive. Security Supervisor Greg Lee and Security Officer Gerald Henson were recognized at this month’s Tribal Council meeting for their efforts in providing first response attention to a guest, until medical treatment could arrive.

The two sprang into action last month at Cherokee Casino Roland when they received a Code 3 Medical emergency call. A Code 3 Medical emergency means that a guest is unconscious or unresponsive, and unable to ask for help.

Lee and Henson found the guest with only a faint breath and pulse. Things suddenly took a turn for the worst when the guest stopped breathing and his pulse became undetectable. Lee and Henson instantly went into action, as their extensive training prepared them for situations like this. They immediately began giving CPR to the guest, and then Lee utilized the Automated External Defibrillator to revive the guest. An AED is a machine that checks for vitals, but if vitals are not present, it shocks the heart to revive pumping.

“[Casino] Security deals with all types of emergencies,” said Lee. “This company trains its employees better than any other company I’ve been associated with.”

Fortunately, the guest was successfully revived thanks to the efforts of Lee and Henson. Within minutes, an ambulance arrived and took the patron to the hospital for further medical treatment.

To become a security officer at Cherokee Casino, candidates must go through CPR and AED medical training, in addition to other forms of training such as CLEET, police academy, Native American law and criminal law training. The combination of this knowledge and experience prepares officers for almost any issue that may arise.

“We have a lot of different training including the medical training,” said Gerald Henson. “ It’s really important because you can’t get enough training.”

Not only has Henson received the CNE training, he is also a firefighter for the National Guard and is a first responder.

About Cherokee Nation Enterprises

Cherokee Nation Enterprises, which operates Cherokee Casinos, is the retail, gaming, entertainment and hospitality business for the Cherokee Nation and operates casinos in Catoosa, Claremore, Roland, West Siloam Springs, Fort Gibson, Sallisaw and Tahlequah, as well as two Cherokee Outpost convenience stores, seven retail tobacco shops, two gift shops, two golf courses, and three hotels. The company employs more than 2,900 people throughout northeastern Oklahoma.