We often look back at the closing year and ponder our failures and successes. What went right? What went wrong? How did we grow? Let me share with you the epiphany of one safety manager.

Training. We hear that word so much that it has become synonymous with videos, certifications, and tests. But, what is it really? It is teaching. How we go about teaching someone has never been more apparent and impactful as it was in 2016.

Over the last couple of years, Saia's Safety Department began rolling out CPR training to employees in all terminals. One more training program, one more list to manage, one more terminal to get to, right? However, 2016 was different. Last year, we realized just what an impact we can have. These are the stories of three lives saved.

Sitting at my desk one sunny afternoon, I received an e-mail from IND W&R Coordinator Aaron Timman thanking Saia for the CPR training we provided. He went on to say that as he was out over the weekend, biking with friends, he came upon a gentleman on the ground that appeared to have had a heart attack. Aaron stated that the skills he learned just “kicked in” and he automatically jumped into action. The result? A life saved and a family grateful that Aaron’s skills gave them back their father, grandfather, husband, and friend.

I am also pleased to say that Aaron was recognized at an awards banquet in January by the Indianapolis Fire Department for his heroics.

Several months later while sitting in my office I heard a scream and ran out to find a supervisor in distress — he had lost about three pints of blood. Without even thinking, I grabbed the first aid kid and began doing what I had learned. The result? A life saved and a family grateful that someone’s skills allowed them to keep their family member.

And last, but not least, a call from an employee in Grayling MI, saying thank you for the training provided as he used the skills and saved his granddaughter from choking. He laughed when he told the story because his wife is a nurse and after it was over, he asked her why she didn’t jump in. Her response? "You had everything under control and did everything right."

I share these stories because they all say the same thing: "It was automatic. I didn’t even think about it. I just did what I was taught to do."  

Training — just a word, but we are teaching and the skills provided probably save lives every single day. Next time you are training, remember you are teaching. Next time, you are being trained, remember, we are trying to keep you safe!