Tech Corner: First Aid advice for Technicians

As technicians, we are naturally curious and that leads to a desire to constantly expand our toolkit, whether that be with physical tools or growing our soft skills. How often do you peruse your local hardware store exploring new releases and testing out the latest generation of any of the go to pieces of your toolkit? Who cannot say they have bought a new tool if for no other reason than they were just really wanting something new and fresh?

What if there was a set of skills that you could build upon that would scratch the itch of both physical and soft skill tools? A set of skills that many technicians tend to overlook, for any multitude of reasons. A set of skills that, when honed properly, could be more important than the best set of power tools.

Specifically, first aid skills are commonly underutilized and overlooked, yet these skills matter more than might be thought in the role of a technician. This applies equally to an in-house technician as it would a field technician. Every day, we are exposed to situations, equipment, and chemicals that could have dangerous or even deadly consequences. Training may ensure that a person knows the details of a safety sheet, but that level of training may not encompass enacting life saving protocols when needed. 

Spending one weekend every couple of years is a foundational start to developing those skills. Utilizing your local Red Cross or St Johns Ambulance to find available training ensures that your time is well spent and the training is current with modern medicine. Commonly with these courses one would have the opportunity to purchase a first aid kit with new supplies based on the training received. 

Again, this training would only be a foundation for further growth. There are commonly further courses available to expand upon first aid training, and many that could be even more relevant to a technician workspace. Think about the different challenges we face daily: a press presents a crushing injury to an arm or leg, a saw could present a partial or full amputation injury, and a car crash on the highway could encompass any number of serious injuries. Technicians not only could face these challenges, but we could be called on to help someone nearby.

The tools of first aid have advanced as much as the techniques. There are specialty multitools for first aid that can be folded up for transport and storage. Bags can be customized to fit on or in a backpack, or in almost any position in a vehicle. One of the most interesting designs lately are kits made to be worn on an ankle under a pant leg.

No one expects that the common public would have the same abilities, skills, and knowledge of our medical professionals. However, the more knowledge and skills we can equip ourselves with means that we can help ourselves or someone else reach the next level of care.

Go to www.redcross.ca or www.sja.ca for your local resources and training options.

Tyler Dolinger | Technical Service Associate | Beans And Grind Inc.