Category Archives: Live Life

MY INDIA -SAFE INDIA. NATIONAL SAFETY DAY.

Education, Life Saving Education, Live Life, Safety, Safety as a Responsibility, , , , , , , , ,

Dear Readers, my last blog was posted in the month of November 2023. We are in 2024 and I have not published my blog since then. It has been a breakdown of sorts for which I would not like to give excuses. My readers have certain expectations and fulfilling them is what I should be focussing on. I apologise for the same and will be more regular hereinafter.

In this blog Maggie and Jaggy will continue their conversation on creating awareness on safety. They will be discussing on the National Safety Day theme for 2024 which is Focus on Safety Leadership for Environment, Social and Governance Excellence. It is a long theme and let us all trust Maggie and Jaggy will help us understand the same.

Maggie: “Hello Jaggy, Long time no see. All well?”

Jaggy: “Yes Maggie. Everything is just fine. Was caught up in a lot of work and other issues. Sorry for not meeting you often.”

Maggie: “It is OK Jaggy. It is just great to see you back. Let us get started!”

Jaggy: “Sure Maggie! Shoot.”

Maggie: “The theme for the National Safety Day seems to be too long. I am not able to say it fully.”

Jaggy: “To be honest yes, it is. But it talks about an important factor which is Safety Leadership. The theme itself says Focus on Safety Leadership for Environment, Social, Governance,(ESG) Excellence.”

Maggie: “Whatever it is it went way above my head like a bouncer.”

Jaggy: “It initially seems so but to understand it is not so complicated. Everyday there are new words and phrases and ESG and Safety Leadership are more often heard today by safety professionals.”

Maggie: “I understand but can you explain the theme better?”

Jaggy: “The theme says that the focus should be more on Safety leadership to create Excellence in the Environment, Social, Governance, (ESG). Just as we need leaders to make things better in organizations, workplaces, sports and even homes we need leaders to drive safety.”

Maggie: “I understand but can you elaborate on the good qualities of a leader first and then move to Safety Leadership.”

Jaggy: “To simply put it a leader is one Who Knows the Way, Shows the Way, and Goes the Way.”

Maggie: “A nice one Jaggy but how does this apply to Safety.”

Jaggy: “A Safety leader first and foremost should have knowledge on the safety process of his organization, show how safety is adopted and of course follow it himself at all times. A safety leader will always have 3 C’s of leadership.”

Maggie: “What are 3 C’s of leadership?”

Jaggy: “Credibility, Conviction and Clarity. These help safety leaders to establish the safety process, improve it and implement it. Without Credibility, Conviction and Clarity it is not possible.”

Maggie: “How can they do this?”

Jaggy: “By demonstrating Visible Commitment. It means that whatever the safety leaders do it should be visible to everyone just like the quote of Mahatma Gandhi.”

Maggie: “Be the Change you wish to see in others is it not what he said?”

Jaggy: “Exactly Maggie. He or she will do this by 1. Telling the truth. 2. Work Hard. 3. Never go back on their word and 4. Listen to hear vs Listen to speak.”

Maggie: “Superb Jaggy but can you tell me the process of Safety Leadership.”

Jaggy: “The first is all about Policies, Procedures, System, Forms which is more a stage of Compliance. These are tasks which are transactional. They are needed to establish the rules. The stage is about Raising Awareness. The next stage is the Personal Approach where leaders discover and share other ways of operating. Telling people why we are here today. This stage is more of Relationship building. The next stage is Inspire others to behave safely which is the stage of Transformation. Here the leadership is an ongoing journey.”

Maggie: “WOW Jaggy! The job of a safety leader is really difficult. To get everyone on the same page is really difficult. But how does this apply to ESG.”

Jaggy: “ESG. Let us deal with them one by one. Environment does not only mean the general definition, but it also implies the place where we work or stay. Safety leadership ensures the environment is accident free which is ensuring no unsafe conditions. Social means the society or community. They can mean anything and everything. When safety is an integral part of workplaces, homes become safer, thereby creating an impact on the society to be safe. Safety becomes social and community oriented which leads to safety culture across the nation. Governance is more about creating increased visibility to safety and ensuring it is followed by all and not just a few. Being transparent is the key here. Ethics and values in are a part of governance.”

Maggie: “Thank you, Jaggy. I may not fully understand what you say but I can do relate with it. One last question. How do leaders make this happen?”

Jaggy: “Simple by teaching. Leaders are teachers and safety leaders are safety teachers. Learning and teaching never stop.”

Maggie: “Thank you so much. Meet you soon.”

Jaggy: “Bye for now.”

I trust the readers would have understood the conversation. Never mind if you don’t. All my readers are safety leaders. Let us all lead everyone to be safe at all times. Jaggy and Maggie will continue to help us do it at all times.   

Live Life – Save Life.

Seshadri Varadarajan.

PS. If you want to have Safety Leadership sessions for your team, please email your request to me at seshadri.v@ushafire.in or to S. Janaki janaki.s@ushafire.in.

ARE EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINERS TEACHERS TOO?

Life Saving Education, Live Life, Safety as a Responsibility, Teachers day, , , , , , ,

Happy Teachers Day to all my readers across the whole world. The 5th of September in India is celebrated as Teachers Day in honour of the birthday of Dr. Sarvappalli Radhakrishnan who rose from being a teacher and became the President of India. As Maggie and Jaggy are still on vacation and as such their conversations on safety are on hold. Then what to write? I just wanted to communicate to the world that Emergency Response Trainers (ERT) are teachers too.

As human beings how far have we come from the cavemen we were to what we are today? Through centuries of living, while all other creatures have shown marginal evolution, hasn’t human progress been dramatic? Who made this possible? THE TEACHERS!

How did the prophecies of enlightened masters, the logic of mathematicians, inventions and discoveries of scientists, the thoughts and ideas of philosophers reach the common man? THE TEACHERS!

Teaching is that profession that teaches all professions and we can never ever tell where their influence stops as they affect all eternity.

Emergency Response Trainers are teachers to their students and are members of emergency response profession where they apply their knowledge and skills on a daily basis. To do the same they need specialised knowledge, long and intense preparation. They need to maintain high standards of conduct and achievement and commit themselves to the higher value of providing public service. They have an obligation to their students, the organization they work for and to themselves. The work of ERT is brilliantly articulated by DR. Haim Ginott.

I’ve come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom.

It is my daily mood that makes the weather.

As a teacher I possess a tremendous power to make the child’s life miserable or joyous.

I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration.

I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal.                      

Potent, poignant and profound words. An ERT has to teach in such a way the students need to act in an emergency situation to save lives. He or she becomes a motivator, demonstrator and a mentor at the same time. Overcoming fear is the prime objective of the ERT and to achieve the same is an awesome task. One wrong information, one small mistake and one momentary lapse of concentration and the results can lead to an accident which can be painful. In the words of my mentor Moeiz Ahmed who used to say “It is not important to teach how to operate a fire extinguisher but to teach how to operate them safely.” He also adds there is zero tolerance to errors in teaching safety.

The work of the ERT is difficult to measure as it has more intangibles than tangibles. The happiness for the ERT is when the process is implemented thereby improving safety all around and reducing accidents and life loss. They are the epitome of the maxim PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE.  

On this teachers day I salute all the teachers, mentors, coaches, healers and ERT for ensuring the evolution of humans all over the universe to become better version of themselves in all aspects of life. Let us all explore new technologies, new methods of teaching and make the world a safe place to live.

I also thank all my readers too who by virtue of you feedback have been my teachers on how to write better. Keep reading and let the constructive feedback keep flowing.

Live Life- Save Life.

Seshadri Varadarajan. 

THE WORLD NEEDS EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINERS.

Education, Fire & Life Safety Education, Innovation, Life Saving Education, Live Life, Safety, , , , , ,

Happy Independence to all my brothers and sisters of India. Let us celebrate the spirit of Independence in all splendor, fervor and vibration as we step forward into the 77th year. India to me has always been an emotion and a feeling which one can never really describe in words. Let us make our country India a great and safe nation by following safety at all times.

This will be the 5th year of writing blogs on my web site and I thank each and every reader who read them regularly and have made me improve every time by your critical assessment and by being lavish in your appreciation. I would have not come this far but for all of you. This year I will try to write more and the plan is to write at least 2 blogs a month.

My India Safe India will continue in the next blog as Jaggy and Maggie are busy elsewhere and will be back soon. In this blog I have decided to write about the need, of ERT- EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINERS and the impact they create to the society, country and the world in general. I dedicate this blog to my mentors Jagadish Adapa (JAGGY), Late Mr. Jayasheel Adapa and Late Mr. Moeiz Ahmed.

The world today is in a state of VUCA- Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous. The only thing that is certain in this world is SAFETY. Safety can keep us stable, certain, simple and clear in terms of living life happily and to the fullest. But the problem is everyone talks of safety, wants safety but are not sure how to do it and it is where ERT make a big impact. The task of an ERT is to simulate apparently ordinary people to unusual effort. The tough problem is not in identifying winners, it is in making winners out of them.  They achieve this objective in 4 ways.

  1. Explaining the concept.
  2. Show the trainees how to do it.
  3. Make them to do it.
  4. Reconfirm.

Whether it is using a fire extinguisher, giving CPR, conducting a HIRA, doing a TBT or a Gemba walk the trainer first explains the concept has to be explained in clear and simple terms, to the level of understanding of the trainees. This is done by using audio visual presentations, demonstrations, skits and even an element of drama. Only then the trainees would understand the concept. To meet this objective the trainer must provide information that is current, accurate and specific.

Once the concept is explained the ERT needs to show the trainees how to do it. The pre use inspection, the correct method of operation, precautions to be taken, safety, procedures to be adopted all have to done by the trainers themselves. This can be scary at times when fire is created, rescue on ladders and confined spaces are carried out. Though the demonstrations are done in controlled atmospheres there is always an element of risk involved.

Once the trainers have done their part, the trainees are asked to demonstrate whatever they saw and learnt. Easy to say but, difficult to do as the trainer has to be in complete command. One lapse of concentration and all hell will break loose. The accountability factor is to provide a safe training environment where safety policies and practices are adhered, to fulfil the duties of an incident safety officer and teaching safe operational practices.

Having taught the trainees practically the trainer needs to reconfirm what has been taught. These are done by using methods like repetition, questionnaires, and even assessments. Only then a training can be considered complete.

Apart from imparting knowledge the ERT have to identify gaps in safety and bring it to the notice of the respective organisations, he should be aware of local and international standards and ensure the teaching methods are to the standards.  The ERT is also obligated to act in an ethical manner at all times. He should also be a good role model and mentor for his trainees to emulate. The basic of being an ERT is to be a good communicator, present skills and knowledge in a positive way.

Emergency Response Trainers through their teaching create Emergency Responders who go a long way in preventing loss of life and reducing accidents. ERT help the society and the country and are always unsung heroes. They are never in the spotlight but their teaching helps in save lives during any emergency.

As an ERT myself, for the past 17 years and on this day of Indian Independence salute all the trainers all over the world who teach and train in emergency response. May this community keep growing and continue to inspire people to save lives.

Do post your comments as this helps the community of ERT Emergency Response Trainers.

Live Life- Save Life

Seshadri Varadarajan.

LIVE LIFE SAVE LIFE – HEAT STROKE/HYPERTHERMIA

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT, Education, First Aid, Heat Stroke, Life Saving Education, Live Life, ORS, , , , ,

Hello Readers!

Thank you all for the support you all give me by reading my blogs. The bouquets inspire me and the brick bats make me aware the need for improvements. As I was wondering what to write, one of my training assistants came up with a suggestion. He told me that as summer was on in most parts of the world, I could write on the First aid measures for Hyperthermia commonly known as Heat Stroke. Jaggy and Maggie precisely discuss this and will offer you valuable tips on summer care.

Maggie: “Hello Jaggy!”

Jaggy: “Hi Maggie! Trust all is well with you.”

Maggie: “Yes, Jaggy I am fine and on top of the world.”

Jaggy: “Good to hear that.  I remember last time you had told that your friends and you were planning on a summer trek.”

Maggie: “Yes Jaggy. The planning has been done and we plan to do it in the month of May.”

Jaggy: “That’s good but May will be very hot. There is every chance of someone being affected by Hyperthermia.”

Maggie: “There you go again. What on earth is Hyperthermia?”

Jaggy: “The opposite of Hypothermia.”

Maggie: “Oh, I see. Now I understand. I think it is commonly known as Heat Stroke or Sun Stroke right.”

Jaggy: “Yes. During summer, due to the hot weather many people suffer from Heat Stress which if not attended also results in Heat Stroke.”

Maggie: “Do People die because of that too?”

Jaggy: “Yes. A lot of people die due to it. Hence, one should know the symptoms and first aid for the same.”

Maggie: “Can you explain in detail please?”

Jaggy: “Heat Stroke or Hyperthermia is an abnormally high body temperature which is the most serious and life threatening.”

Maggie: “Oh my God!”

Jaggy: “This happens due to increase in body temperature beyond 104 Deg Fahrenheit. It causes damage to your brain and other organs.”

Maggie: “How is it caused?”

Jaggy: “It is caused by strenuous physical activity in extreme conditions of heat.”

Maggie: “What are the symptoms and how to identify the same?”

Jaggy: “The symptoms are 1. Dry mouth. 2. Cramps in the muscles. 3. Dizziness. 4. Blurred Vision 5. Nausea and Vomiting. 6. Fainting 7. Red Hot skin.”

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHERMIA

Maggie: “What is the First aid for the same?”

Jaggy: “First get the person to a cool and ventilated place, an area where there is shade. Remove the upper clothing if you can. Cover him with a towel or a bed spread. Keep on pouring a lot of water over the person. Pour it till the temperature goes down. If the person is responsive and able to drink, give him any drink with electrolytes like Coconut water or ORS solution. If the person has still not recovered, rush him to the nearest hospital.” “If not responding and no breathing perform CPR.”

Maggie: “ORS? what is that?”

Jaggy: “ORS is Oral Re-hydration Solution. In India popularly known as Electral Powder.”

Maggie: “Can we give plain water”?

Jaggy: “Yes, but ORS will give the victim the important electrolytes like Salt and Sugar.”

Maggie: “Are sports drink useful in these situations?”

Jaggy: “They are if you have them. As a First aider I would prefer ORS.”

Maggie: “Thank you so much for your clear explanation. What other precautions can we take during the trek?”

Jaggy: “Wear Cotton clothes, keep drinking plenty of water, take breaks if the sun is too hot and avoid soft and hot drinks if you can. Carry ORS sachets or liquids and keep your medicines handy at all times.”

Maggie: “Can we prepare ORS ourselves at home?”

Jaggy: “Yes. The method is to take a glass of water add a tea spoon of sugar and a pinch of salt and stir it completely. Drink as soon as it is ready.”

Maggie: “Are there more heat related conditions?”

Jaggy: “There are. We will discuss later as summer has just started.”

Maggie and Jaggy will be covering more heat related conditions in the next conversation. Take care folks and make sure you are hydrated at all times. It has been extremely hot wherever in India I had been to in April. Keep sharing the blog with your loved ones and keep the comments coming.

Till then Stay Safe Be Safe.

Seshadri Varadarajan.

LIFE IS FOR LIVING.

Live Life, , , , , , , ,

‘A HAPPY REPBULIC DAY TO ALL MY READERS IN INDIA AND THE WHOLE WORLD TOO.’

It was on the 26th of January that India became a Republic with a Constitution of its own. Everyone of us need to have a constitution to be adopted personally to live our lives in the way we want.

Thank you so much for the feedback on my last blog, the Egalitarian life. A lot of you have expressed happiness on the article which shows that you all approve what I express through my writing. So, in this blog too, I have decided to continue the same concept.

I have always believed that Life is Beautiful, and one should Live Life to the fullest. But off late, there has been a trend for many to take their lives rather than live. As I was thinking about it and discussing the same with my friends, the lyrics of another song came to my mind.

Pyar na Karna Nafrath Karna Seekh liya,

Sab Logon ne Ladna Marna Seekh liya,

Inko Jeena Kaun Sikhaye,

Ek Ritu Aaye,

Ek Ritu Jaaye,

Mausam Badlena,

Badle Naseeb.

The above lyrics are from a popular song from the movie Gautam Govinda released in the year 1979. The song talks about the famine that raged across some states of India during that time. The words in the above stanza mean that we should continue to live life no matter what.

Pyar na Karna Nafrath Karna Seekh Liya  Learnt not to love but to hate,

Sab Logon ne Ladna Marna Seekh Liya      Everyone has learnt to fight and die,

Inko Jeena Kaun Sikhaye                               Who will teach them to Live?

The words written in the lyrics are prophetic. Humans have learnt to hate, fight kill and die but have never learnt to love. It is so easy to Hate rather than Love. We have all learnt to fight and die but have never learnt to live. Everyone is interested in Do or Die rather than Live and Let Live. Throughout our lives we have been taught that Life is not easy, and you must fight every day and every inch.  Unless you fight, you cannot succeed. My question is simple, what are we fighting for so much that we have forgotten to Live? The simple things in Life don’t matter anymore!

Happiness is in the small things that we enjoy unabashedly. Instead of just enjoying the Joy of Living, we are forever in a race to achieve. I am not by any chance here, advocating that one should not aspire for Success or achieving goals, but focus also on Living Life to the fullest. Today, gadgets are there to measure your stress but no gadgets to measure Happiness. Was a Happiness Meter ever invented?

My guru once told me, you don’t need a reason to feel happy. I would say you don’t need a reason to enjoy life. Live Life as it is, as you want.

Ek ritu aaye Ek ritu jaaye. A season comes, A season Goes,

Mausam Badle na Badle Naseeb. The weather never changes but Fate Changes.

Seasons will come and go, Friends will come and go, Enemies will change, Success comes, Problems arrive, continue to Live. As they say in Hindi, Jaan Hai toh Jahan hai. If you have life, the world is yours.

The Pandemic has thrown many lives off gear including mine. However, let us Live Life as Life is for Living.

Maggie and Jaggy will be back in the next blog to discuss saving lives, till then

Stay Safe, Be Safe and Live Life.

Seshadri Varadarajan.