General News
11 September, 2024
Studying impact of trauma
About 450 school students filled the auditorium of Horsham Town Hall recently for The Alfred's Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (PARTY) program.
Year 9 and 10 students from Horsham, Nhill and Warracknabeal heard real stories from Alfred hospital workers and had a traumatic experience described to them by a past patient.
They also had the chance to participate in trauma simulations as part as the hands-on approach aiming to educate youth on traumatic outcomes around topics such as drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, distractions and more.
The prevention and education programs shows the true affect trauma injuries can have on the patient's own life as well as the lives of others.
St Brigid's College Horsham Year 9 students Matilda Horvat and Enid Knight said the program was very informative in the way it was presented.
"It's all about keeping safe and prioritising yourself," Matilda said.
"No matter what the consequences are, you should always call triple zero for help."
Enid added: "They talked about what you should do if you're ever in that situation."
Both said the program hadn't steered them away from becoming healthcare workers down the track.
PARTY program co-ordinator Sue Smith said bringing the program to regional communities educated students on the challenges being faced.
"When you're in a hospital that's four hours away, you're essentially on your own," Ms Smith said.
"The hands-on simulation is to get them thinking how it would be if it were them and to get them to understand how fragile life is."
Speakers included local paramedics, police, Paul Liston from the ANUM Alfred Emergency and Trauma Centre, Alfred burns liaison nurse Emma Layley, Alfred trauma physiotherapist Ben Tilley, past Alfred multi trauma patient Jacob Fry.
West Wind Energy was a major sponsor in bringing the program to Horsham.
"We all want the same thing: for young people to live long and productive lives," Ms Smith said.