AN inaugural alcohol and risk-related trauma program has taught young people in the region about the impact of injury.
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The Alfred’s Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y) program delivered true injury messages to young people in Horsham across two days on Monday and Tuesday.
Trauma experts from The Alfred, Wimmera Health Care Group, Youth C.A.N, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police, as well as an injury survivor, taught students about the consequences of taking risks and increased their awareness of the impact of traumatic injury.
The program replicated a hospital setting within the Horsham Town Hall for over 210 students in the region.
Wimmera Health Care Group emergency department nurse unit manager Bernadette Ryan said her team sees many young people who have been involved in major trauma due to making risky decisions.
She said the program was an unique opportunity for students in the region that could help them think twice before making risky decision.
“If we can reach these year 11 students and educate them on the effects of trauma, not only to themselves, but to their families and friends, and prevent them from risk taking, the time we put into running this program will be worthwhile,” she said.
St Brigid’s College year 11 student Mitch Dumesny said the program has opened his eyes to the impact small risks could have on a person’s life.
“It is especially important for our age group to learn about this,” he said.
“Today we have heard from an injury survivor who broke his neck in a car accident – he was lucky to be alive, but he lost his identity and had to redefine who he was.
“The message I’d take out of this would be don’t take anything for granted.”
St Brigid’s College student Sophie Fechner said the program has taught her about choices.
She said everyone has the ability to shape their future and the choices they make can have positive or negative impact.