Over the last few months, I’ve noticed a trend in some of the things I’ve been doing: Safety!  

My name is Wendy. I’m trained in _____ . Can I help you?

I’m the type of person who loves helping other people. When I was younger, I wanted to be a teacher.  Once I got to university, I ended up becoming a cartographer. Which I love!  My teaching and helping other people isn’t in a formal teaching position, but in many other ways.

Former Lifeguard and Swimming Instructor

Starting when I was 17, I worked as a Life Guard and Swimming instructor for several years. It was a great job!  This led me to become a camp councillor and lifeguard at several summer camps.  

Children’s Restraint System Technician (CRST)  aka Car Seat Tech

Since 2008, I have been helping parents keep their children safe. I joke that I’m saving lives, one car seat at a time.  But it’s true.  With a misuse rate of over 80%, parents need help getting their car seats installed properly and need tips and suggestions as to how to use the seats properly.  

Initially I was trained with St. John’s Ambulance, but have recently certified with Child Passenger Safety Association of Canada (CPSAC).

I have written many blog posts about car seat safety with the hope that I can reach as many parents as possible.

Certified Joint Health and Safety Committee Member

Last year, I became a Certified member of the Health and Safety Committee at my office.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires my workplace to have a Joint Health and Safety Committee consisting of worker and employer members.  We do regular building inspections to look for potential hazards, and make recommendations to our employer for ways that safety could be improved.

In an office building, the hazards are less than those working out on a construction site, but it is still very important that my fellow employees and I are safe. The most common safety hazard in an office, is probably ergonomic issues.  Too many people are sitting at their computers incorrectly and over time, that will cause injuries.

First Aid, CPR and AED Certification

Earlier this week, I got my First Aid, CPR and AED certification again.  I had done it a few years ago and it had expired. It was good to know that I was still confident in my abilities and aced the test!

At one point in my life, I event tossed around the idea of being an EMT. I might have been good at it!

Safety overload

There are times when having all of this knowledge is trouble some. I don’t shut my “safety” switch off very well.  I can’t go by a vehicle with car seats in it and not take a look to see how the seat is installed. If someone is coughing, I pause to make sure they are ok. When I see hazards (even outside my office), I’ll notice.  One of the hard things is knowing when to step in and help or when to back off because people aren’t going to be receptive to my help.  

Knowledge is power

I might not be a teacher by profession, but I sure have found other ways to help people.  And I love that I can!