Safety and Connectivity United: French Lick's Relay Experience

Nestled in the enchanting town of French Lick, the historic French Lick Resort unfolds its tapestry of rich history and diverse attractions. From the lively casino to the serene West Baden, this expansive 3000-acre property, including three golf courses, posed unique challenges for effective communication. French Lick Resort embarked on a journey with Relay that would transform not only their communication methods but also redefine safety protocols.

Unifying Teams Across the Resort

In the days before Relay, French Lick Resort grappled with communication challenges using traditional radio devices. Paco Medina, the security manager at French Lick and West Baden recalls, “Before relay, we were using the large brick-style radio devices. What we found with them was we were having communication issues.” The vast property, with areas untouched by their radio tower signal, created communication gaps, especially during critical moments.

“It really hampered our response to certain areas… we would run into people not being able to notify us of a medical emergency or an emergency when we were evacuating the building because they weren’t able to reach us with the communication devices.”
– Paco Medina, Security Manager at French Lick Resort

Reliable Communication with Relay

The transition to Relay marked a turning point for French Lick Resort. Paco shares, “After we switched to Relay, things became much easier from our side of things.” Starting with 125 devices and swiftly doubling within the first year, Relay seamlessly connected all departments. “It’s easier to use and get a hold of people,” says Jordan Santa, Head Golf Professional. “If they missed their phone calls it could take several minutes to help a guest versus several seconds.” 

As for its size, “They’re so light you don’t even know you’re carrying them,” says Dustin Farris, Slot Operations Manager.

Worker Safety Enhanced

One feature that stood out for French Lick Resort was Relay’s panic alarm and beacon system. Paco underscores its significance, stating, “With the beacons and the panic alarm feature that Relay has, it really sped up our response.” This feature instilled confidence in staff, especially housekeeping and associates who could trigger alarms in emergencies. 

“If we have employees get in situations where they need help immediately, with the press of that button, our team has someone right there,” shares Dustin. The security team or front desk could then respond promptly, elevating overall worker safety. 

The broadcast feature has also emerged as a lifeline during severe weather events and emergencies, ensuring swift communication throughout the resort.

Breaking Language Barriers

Welcoming over a million guests annually came with its own set of challenges, including language barriers. Paco highlights the transformative impact of Relay’s translate feature, saying, “Our teams are on staff 24 hours a day, but with the volume of people we have, there are language barriers that come with some of our guests.” The translate feature bridged communication gaps during EMT calls, fostering a more inclusive and responsive environment.

Streamlined Communication and Cost Savings

By bidding farewell to outdated devices, Relay brought efficiency and cost-effectiveness to French Lick Resort. “Thanks to Relay, my overall productivity has gone up,” says Mike Henry, EVS Manager. “I’m grateful for that.” The all-in-one device streamlined communication, fostering a sense of connectedness across the entire resort.

“The impact that relay has had on our business is saving us a ton of money. Right off the bat. Our radio system was broken.”
– Paco Medina, Security Manager at French Lick Resort

Exceptional Customer Service

French Lick Resort’s partnership with Relay unfolded as a remarkable journey. Paco commends Relay’s customer service, sharing, “Working with Relay has been fantastic. Their customer service has been one of the top vendors that we have onboarded since opening the resort.” Quick and efficient support ensured a seamless integration of Relay into the daily operations of the resort.

Conclusion

The Relay experience at French Lick Resort is a testament to the transformative power of unified communication and enhanced safety features. By bidding farewell to outdated radio systems, Relay not only bridged communication gaps but also provided a comprehensive solution to worker safety concerns. The resort now thrives on streamlined operations, significant cost savings, and a newfound peace of mind.