Stay focused - I like it

Yesterday I spend the day on a refresher First Aid course. It was one of those courses of which you just cannot understand that it is not part of your basic education. That's the case in the Netherlands, at least. We went through the basic drill of what to do in case of fire, evacuations, etc.

An important part is medical first aid. This time around we all were pleasantly surprised to find that the course was led by a nurse who was very clear about her focus: As First Aider, you use medical first aid to save lives, period. So as opposed to getting instructions to the millimeter on how to put someone's foot to pull him into a stable side position (sorry, it's a literal translation from the Dutch term - hope you get the meaning). She focused on getting the victim into position. If he bumps his head as a result, well, the bump will go away; this as opposed to spending precious seconds making sure he doesn't bump his head and having him subsequently choke to death, lying on his back. The same went for the use of the defibrillator. You are only supposed to use them on victims ages 8 and older. But it is very unlikely in such a state that you have the time to check for ID and ensure that the victim is actually 8 years old. An even is he isn't: will you let the 6 year old die for certain because the package says you're not to use the defib on them or will you give it a chance? In the end, you're fighting for someone's live. If there is a chance to save it, use it. Now obviously if you have a worthy alternative, use that. I am sure there are a lot of people shocked by the idea and a number of countries that would ensure me getting sued if I would apply it against the instructions. But hey, I'm Dutch and if anything we can be mighty practical.

I'm a perfectionist. I like to have a clear goal and work towards it. But in general I sweep up behind me so that the road is as neat as the ultimate result will be.

The best lesson of the day, therefore had little to do with medical first aid. It was to be clear on your goal, stay focused on it and strive to achieve it. The road towards the goal doesn't always have to be pretty; it can be seen to have been used (though not destroyed!) as long as it helps you achieve your goal.