2 Year Life Saving Anniversary

Russell Grant
Aug 16, 2019
2 min read

This time 2 years ago I was both fortunate and able to save a little boys life through applying some basic life saving skills I had been taught over the years relevant to my Fire Fighter role, as an Instructor in a training centre environment and more latterly as a refresher course to working in the Oil & Gas industry.

I recently asked someone involved in Fire Watcher duties 'how long would a 6ltr fire extinguisher last if I removed the tag and pin, and squeezed the trigger mechanism fully'?, I was staggered to hear 45 minutes as his response. Clearly I saw this as a training opportunity and spent a short time explaining the limitations and capabilities of this important piece of equipment that so many of us possibly take for granted. What I will never know is if this short but pertinent 'learning opportunity' will ever be used in anger, hopefully never...but who knows.

This opportunistic 'learning moment', and a series of other astounding findings made during a construction phase of work made me reflect and wonder just how many of us are actually prepared for an emergency situation and would know exactly what action to take. By way of a link, I have an old friend who has produced a software product that supports small to medium businesses in legislative compliance in many areas of Health, Safety & Environmental preparedness and once again I am staggered by the number of businesses that don't have the necessary arrangement or training in place...furthermore, does that business actually have any insurance protection by not complying with legislation?

For those of you that do have the responsibility of sourcing training for your teams and personnel...please ensure you get the right and better standard and quality...it could make the ultimate difference. Here for 'free advice' if needed.