Late For The Pub: Lessons In Priorities
Last Friday I had to fulfil my annual renewal on first aid and CPR.
It’s a pain in the ass, as it takes ALL DAY, but it must be done for insurance and of course providing a duty of care to my clients.
This is my 9th first aid course…yep I’ve had their pleasure 9 times.
It’s been interesting to see how first aid techniques have changed over the years, with a surprising focus now on the legal ramifications of helping someone who may be in serious trouble.
Anyway, the course, as ever, was presented very well – big tick for St John’s ambulance there. In the UK they get a bit of bad rap for being first deemed first aid “enthusiasts”.
The end of the day features an assessment – both theory and practical.
The practical assessment can be, depending on how you approach it, a bit of fun that provides you with a serious benefit.
If, however, you’re jumping up and down like one of the riggers who “had to do the course because my boss sent me” and was going to finish after 3pm for “the first time in over three years”, you won’t get much from it.
Turns out he was pissy because he was going to be late for meeting his mates down the pub.
Funny when you’re a twenty-something year old with no responsibilities.
Not so funny when you’re a 40-something grown man with a family to support and apprentices at work under your care (hence being sent on the course).
The rest of the group had to make special allowances for the princess, because it was not worth his time being there.
“I’ll get f#ck all out of this” was his defence.
The rest of us got some useful information that can help us look after colleagues, friends and family should the need arise. All he got was a funny story worthy of a 5 minute chuckle with his mates at the pub.
But like anything, you get out what you put in.
I’ll leave you with one of my favourite movie quotes of all time:
“Some people can read War and Peace and come away thinking it’s a simple adventure story. Others can read the ingredients on a chewing gum wrapper and unlock the secrets of the universe.”