I’m an engineer at heart, and that mindset extends beyond just writing code. Whether I’m debugging software or responding to emergencies as a volunteer ski patroller, I thrive on analyzing problems and finding solutions under pressure. The problem-solving skills I’ve gained in both fields constantly reinforce each other—whether it’s in the mountains or in the codebase.

Emergency Response & Bug Fixing – The Same Mindset

When I respond to a 1050 (reported accident), my first thought is: how do I get there quickly and safely? I need the most efficient route—especially if I’m pulling a toboggan—while ensuring accessibility and safety for myself and the patient. Upon arrival, the first priority is a safety check: Am I safe? Is the patient safe? If so, I assess the situation. Is the patient alert and oriented, or is this a critical case requiring immediate intervention? An unresponsive patient demands quick thinking, clear decision-making, and action under pressure. A stable patient allows more time for assessment before responding.

Now, how does this relate to coding?

When a client reports a critical bug — one that stops their workflow — it’s like responding to an emergency. The first step is getting to the issue quickly and efficiently. Once there, I assess: Is this a high-priority outage requiring immediate action, or a manageable issue that allows time for deeper analysis? Just like in ski patrol, some issues demand an instant fix, while others benefit from a more methodical approach. Either way, the goal is the same — solve the problem, restore stability, and ensure everything runs smoothly again.

Responding, Resolving, and Reviewing – The Engineering Mindset

When responding to a 1050 (reported accident), the immediate focus is getting to the scene quickly and making the right decisions under pressure. But the job isn’t done once the patient is safe. A critical part of being an emergency responder is reviewing what happened: Did we handle the situation effectively? Could we have done better? What, if anything, went wrong? How do we ensure we’re even more prepared next time?

The same mindset applies to software engineering. After fixing a critical bug or data issue, the work doesn’t stop at the resolution—we need to analyze: Did we cause this issue? How do we prevent it from happening again? Could we improve our testing, logging, or deployment process?

In both cases, learning from every experience is essential. Whether it’s refining emergency response protocols or improving software stability, the goal is always the same: to do better next time.

Communication – The Lifeline of Both Worlds

In any emergency, communication is key. It must be clear, concise, and purposeful—no wasted words, no ambiguity. When responding to an incident, we first need to fully understand the situation before delivering the right message. Whether it’s coordinating with other ski patrollers, calling for resources, or updating the patient, effective communication ensures that the right actions happen at the right time.

The same principle applies to working with clients in software engineering. A client reports an issue—we need to listen carefully, ask the right questions, and fully understand the problem before responding. Just like in an emergency, assumptions can lead to delays or missteps. Clear, purposeful communication ensures that we provide the right solution efficiently, rather than just reacting blindly.

In both disciplines, the ability to communicate effectively doesn’t just make things run smoother—it directly impacts outcomes. A misunderstood bug report can cause days of wasted effort, just as a miscommunicated emergency call can lead to critical delays. That’s why listening, understanding, and responding with clarity are essential skills in both software engineering and emergency response.

Teamwork – The Core of Effective Response

Complex incidents require teamwork. No one person can do it all. Every team member has a role—some lead, some assist, but all contribute to the outcome. If you’re in command, it’s your responsibility to manage the situation effectively until the patient is handed off to a higher level of care. If you’re supporting, your role is to focus on patient comfort and follow the plan laid out by the incident commander. A strong team doesn’t just follow orders blindly—we listen, observe, and speak up when something needs attention.

Good teamwork means helping each other do our best under pressure. We don’t shout or complain—we communicate calmly, clearly, and with purpose. We offer help where needed, but we also recognize when to step back to avoid getting in the way.

And as you might expect, the same applies when responding to a client’s emergency in software engineering. A major bug or system failure is rarely solved alone. It requires developers, support teams, and stakeholders to work together efficiently. Some will lead the troubleshooting, others will execute fixes or provide updates, and everyone must communicate effectively to ensure the best resolution.

Whether in emergency response or software engineering, the principle is the same: A well-functioning team is the difference between chaos and a successful outcome.

Two Worlds, One Mindset

At first glance, software engineering and emergency response may seem worlds apart. But look closer, and the parallels become clear—both require quick thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and continuous improvement. Whether debugging code or managing an emergency, the goal is the same: assess, respond, resolve, and refine. I love being both an engineer and a first responder, and the synergy between these roles makes me stronger in both my professional and volunteer life.