How did I get here?
How do I find myself the autoclave technician at Booth Medical Equipment? I was lucky. The place is run by good friends and good, fair business people.
You all have heard the story: 20 years with a Fortune 100 company; six figure salary; laid off or “separated” at 50 years old. Hard to find a job.
A few years ago, I’m at a social event and hear the Booth’s need someone to work on the web advertisement work. I raised my hand and they gave me a shot. 4 weeks later, the technician quit and I say “NO PROBLEM!” I used to fix machines and a screwdriver still works the same. They make me the bench tech. I think I am just where I started, working on the hardware. That made my 37th year supporting hardware in one form or another.
The next thing you know, I am on a plane going to the factory for training. I went to Long Island to Tuttnauer training and learned the inner workings of the autoclave.
The class was excellent!! We tore the machines down to the frame and built it up again. I had the opportunity to chat with several technical people who have worked on these units for years. In all types of environments.
I understand one thing: FOLLOW the maintenance parameters of your autoclave!! Used distilled water!! If you keep it clean, it will function for a LONG time without problems. (Oops, that’s three things).
Yeah, I see it all. We buy the old units, the dead units, the dirty units; and then I make them shine!! I am happy in my job again, I take these old miss-used units, take them down to the frame. Scrape them, clean them, and make them look new. I add all new parts and test them. Then we get to sell them, we make money, help recycle old metal, and help people who need an autoclave, but with the economy, might not be able to afford a new one.
