Labrador Men’s Shed now better equipped to deal with life-threatening or serious injuries

Did you know that Australia-wide 17 people have lost their fingers whilst working at a Mens Shed?

Given the number of motorised machines capable of inflicting injury being used at their site, Labrador Men’s Shed decided it was time to seek appropriate training.

Labrador Men’s Shed Fundraising Coordinator Bob Holmes thanked the ETC Community Support Fund for providing funds to have 20 of the Shed’s regular members to be trained in First Aid.

“By having a large proportion of our members now qualified it increases our chances of being able to offer support until an Ambulance arrives in cases of an emergency. It will also ensure a trained first-aider will always be on site when shed is operating,” Mr Holmes said.

“Not only does this affect our shed members, but this first aid knowledge will also spread to our own family and neighbourhoods. It has a multiplier effect.”

The First Aid course covered traditional topics and extended to incorporate dealing with amputations, hands-on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of defibrillation apparatus.

“We have both woodworking and metalworking facilities available for use by members for their personal and community project activities. Now we are better equipped to deal with injuries that could be caused by these,” Mr Holmes said.

The Men’s Shed provides support to local community organisations through toys, recycling of goods and providing training and indoor/outdoor maintenance services.

“We provide support to a local school group of boys who are mentored by members of our group around woodworking activities. Throughout the course of the year we have three intakes. That’s just one example of what we do,” Mr Holmes said.

“Our goal is to foster men’s health as most of our members are aging. The more that aging men can feel that they are performing an active role in the community, then the better their health outcomes are.”

The Labrador Men’s Shed is located at “The Hub” 57 Billington Street. For more information contact 0417 425 007 or visit www.mensshedlabrador.org.au

ETC’s Deputy Chair Lorraine Penn said it was a pleasure to be able to support the Labrador Men’s Shed.

“The ETC Community Support Fund is designed to help organisations reduce disadvantage, generate opportunity, increase support services and/or build capacity in the communities in which we operate,” Ms Penn said.

“ETC is proud to be a not-for-profit company and we are confident the money we are donating will help make a more positive future for our community.”

ETC provides employment and training services on the Gold Coast. If you need help finding a job, are looking for staff or are interested in up-skilling, contact ETC on 1800 007 400 or visit www.etcltd.com.au.