PARTY program promotes responsible decisions and injury prevention
It was a somber mood at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital on Tuesday, April 10 as emergency groups held clinical reality presentations to students from both Vanier and Central Collegiates as part of the Prevent, Alcohol, Risk related, Trauma with Youth (PARTY) program. The PARTY program is to promote injury prevention through vivid clinical reality, enabling youth to recognize risk, make informed choices and identify potential consequences about activities and behaviours. Before kicking off an intense day of presentations and some real-life, tragedy-stricken stories, Moose Jaw’s emergency groups and other partners paid respects to everyone impacted by the recent tragedy involving the Humboldt Broncos junior hockey players. Angela Sereda, Deputy Chief of EMS and an event coordinator for PARTY says, in light of the horrific accident that affected persons across Canada, the presentations really connected with the students. “The more that we can relate to students and talk about situations versus just doing a presentation, it will make more of an impact. A lot of people that came as facilitators here today have a lot of experiences and history with certain things. So, it was important for them to share their stories on a personal level because the students connect better that way. Especially in the wake of the tragedy involving the Broncos players, it makes it even more real for students. We started out with a prayer in honor of that tragedy to show respects in that regard. It was very emotional because everyone can relate with the families of those lost and others in critical care.” The students were taken to an accident scene (clinical) where they gained firsthand knowledge of how emergency groups respond to accidents, while reinforcing the importance of making good decisions. “We used to do this twice a year, but we now host it annually where we bring two schools together at the same time to make these presentations. It is an important message regarding good decision making and the consequences that can come from making the wrong decisions either we’re by ourselves or with our friends. It is important for the students to learn from all the experience we bring to the table and how we deal with situations so when they leave here, they can make informed decisions when they are out there with their friends or by themselves,” said Deputy Chief Sereda. “The core message from this event is the importance of making good decisions. Good decisions don’t just come from not being distracted driving or being under the influence while driving, but this encompasses good decisions before they get behind the wheel or get into a vehicle with friends,” she added. This message touched home for one student, Chloe Merifield of Central, who said that she will be even more conscientious going forward about making the right decisions. “I found the presentations very interesting and educational in light of what happened recently. It kind of brought light to what goes on behind the scenes and the long-term impact this can have on families and loved ones. As a result of these real-life presentations here that I saw, I’ll be really mindful of decisions I make, as well as help my friends to also make the right decisions. This is something I am going to share with my family so that we can all make the best decisions when we enter or before we enter a vehicle. Because 90 per cent of injury is preventable, it is best to make the right decisions.” The students also heard presentations from Nolan Barnes from Saskatoon. He shared his survival story from a horrific accident that took the life of one of his close friends. Barnes is now a paraplegic but remains very optimistic. He has travelled across the world competing in games and representing Canada, after being subjected to a wheelchair following his accident. He, however, urged students to learn from his story and be very vigilant in making the right decisions. A team from Dr. D.H. Wigmore Hospital also made presentations about how they respond to victims following an accident. This PARTY program is made possible through partnerships between Five Hills Health Region; Moose Jaw Police Ser- vice; Moose Jaw and District EMS; Prairie South School Division; Holy Trinity School Division; RCMP; Moose Jaw Fire Department; WJ Jones and Son Funeral Home; SGI and Topline Salvage. Additional funding and donations to ensure the success of this event is provided by Moose Jaw Associated Commercial Travellers (ACT) and Family Pizza Restaurant in Moose Jaw.