PMs and Needles
What a flu jab can teach you about proactive maintenance
Needles
Just seeing the word written down sends a small shiver down my spine. I’m not “good” with needles.
But knowing they're a 'necessary evil' I've developed a system for managing my fear, which I'll describe in the context of my visit to the GP’s over the weekend for my flu jab:
1. Nervously enter surgery, give name and DOB to receptionist
2. Get ushered into an open area where several nurses are delivering injections to a queue of patients at an impressive pace, helped by the fact everyone seems to have been told to have bare arms ready. NOTE: they must be regulars, they're standing up for the whole procedure - nutters!
3. All the doors and windows are open. It's November. So seeing a few people in front of me I don't rush to take my coat off
4. Suddenly I'm at the front of the queue holding it up
5. The nurse waiting for me looks stern
6. Blurt out: "I'm not good with needles"
7. The look softens, I'm told: "you'd better sit down here then"
8. Carefully take off coat, place on the back of chair, roll up sleeve
9. Ask gingerly: "can you tell me just before you do it?"
10. Become fascinated with the ceiling tiles
11. Get told I'm about to feel a small scratch
12. A few moments pass
13. I've not noticed anything, except that rows are made up of 38 tiles
14. "Would you like a glass of water?"
15. Look down and realise it must all be over
16. Witness another 2 people having their jabs standing up, in a matter of seconds
17. Feel stupid
18. "Stay sat down for as long as you need to"
19. Stand up, assure nurse I'm fine, saying "thank you" several times
20. Rush out into car park feeling sheepish
21. Feel the hit of cold, fresh air
22. Go back inside to collect coat
23. Try to shrug off the (only mildly patronising) "well done, you're so brave" comment from somewhat sympathetic wife
So there you have it, my procedure for vaccinations. Developed and refined over years and proven to prevent fainting. What's it got to do with maintenance?
Well, much of the time telling the medical professional involved I don't like needles, and asking to sit or lie down if it's not offered - feels like overkill, or entirely unnecessary (like in the case above) . But there have been times when the needle's been bigger, the procedure longer and I've been close to passing out. I'm reliably informed it's easier to deal with an unconscious person when they're in a chair or on a bed, rather than on the floor.
Preventative maintenance is the same. Taking frequent backups, replacing batteries and other routine activities can feel like a waste of time. But seem the only option if we want to avoid the worst happening.
Whether you’re someone who can take a flu jab in the arm standing or not. If taking a data-driven approach to maintenance appeals, start with this overview of common methodologies.