If you’re feeling faint,

And you’re gonna fall,

Who you gonna call?

FIRST AIDERS

When you hear that tut,

It’s a paper cut,

Who you gonna call?

FIRST AIDERS

If you just got burnt,

It’s time you learnt,

Who you gonna call?

FIRST AIDERS

If there’s any gore,

Head for the door

Who you gonna call?

(NOT) FIRST AIDERS!

(Well, maybe Dan…)

I never ever thought that I would become a first aider! Although I’ve always acknowledged that it’s a great set of skills to have, I really can’t stand looking at even the slightest cut…

However, knowing that you could save someone’s life is a rewarding feeling, so that’s why I and some fellow Launchers were last week at a first aid class, practicing with ‘Annie,’ a CPR doll.

It was a surreal experience, with shouts of “Annie, can you hear me? I’m just putting you in the recovery position to make you feel more comfortable’ echoing around the room as everyone got to grips with their doll. We nothing short of pummelled them, which was okay so long as we heard the distinctive ‘click’ that told us we were doing it properly. Dan did particularly well with his Annie, though he was rather particular about cleaning her mouth with antiseptic and waiting a good while for it to dry!

We found lots of interesting tips and techniques – one being that there is more than one way to treat a burn, with both milk and yogurt doing the job just as well as the more obvious cold water. Just as well that we’re always pretty well stocked with those items!

Although the training was serious, we still all had a fun day out of the office, and I even produced a little song to help everyone remember who they can turn to in times of catastrophe! 

I seem to spend my life writing lists – shopping lists, birthday lists, and things to do. I like the satisfaction of ticking things off as I go, and better still, finishing a whole list. I’m essentially a bit of a geek really! Life, both work and personal, seems to be very hectic at the moment, and the lists keep things in order. Since I started at Launch in August 2008 (which seems like forever ago) I have had the chance to be involved in lots of different projects, each one with its own list! And knowing what is planned for 09, I am sure I am going to have plenty of chances to tick things off!

Looking at my current to do list, it seems as if the next few months are going to be hectic!:

1) Write my blog (tick!)

2) Write up my notes from the agency end of month meeting. There is so much going on and getting the agency all together at the end of each month gives us a chance to see what everyone else is up to, and each month it seems to come around quicker!

3) Finalise my plans for the mentoring team – we are rolling out the first official Launch mentoring scheme which is great – I can’t wait to see all of the hard work from before Christmas really making a different to our people here. Mentoring is a great development tool and for a company of our size is a real bonus.

4) Interviews – I really enjoy interviewing, especially when they are great candidates who are excited by Launch and our work

5) 3 Peaks – I am doing the 3 Peaks challenge in June (Ben Nevis, Snowdonia & Scarfold Pike in 24hrs!) and I really need to get going with sponsorships, buying hiking boots and getting fit – only 5 months to go!

6) Make tea

Well, number one is done – I think I’ll skip to number six (I am unofficially the second floor tea lady!)