The LSA proudly sponsors the P.A.R.T.Y Program, as a proactive initiative to prevent or reduce road accidents in South Australia. P.A.R.T.Y. is the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth Program, a full day in-hospital interactive trauma prevention program aimed at students aged 15 to 19 years. Students spend the day travelling the devastating path of a trauma patient. The P.A.R.T.Y. Program runs approximately 100 sessions a year at Flinders Medical Centre, the Royal Adelaide Hospital and across country South Australia.
On Friday 31 March, the LSA’s Chief Executive, Rick Howe and Director, People and Partnerships, Gemma Cooper visited the Flinders Medical Centre to observe the P.A.R.T.Y. program in action. Rick and Gemma watched the senior Seaford Secondary School students work their way through a series of presentations designed to demonstrate some of the tragic consequences that can occur as a result of risky decisions. Topics included risk taking choices, emergency services and trauma injuries. Students then participated in interactive hospital rotations including experiencing the confronting reality of a patient’s journey with emergency services following a traumatic injury.
Students had the opportunity to meet a trauma ambassador, Jack, who spoke about his car accident and the slow journey of rehabilitation and recovery. Jack’s story emotionally connected with students and reinforced the central theme of the day: one poor choice could change your life forever. The program challenged students thinking on risk related choices and supported them to make safe decisions with alcohol and drugs.
Gemma reflected on the P.A.R.T.Y. Program and students’ responses, ‘it was heartening to see how this program is making a difference for our senior students.’
