P.A.R.T.Y. program wraps up first year

This year, 130 Grade 10 students at Fort Frances High School participated in the P.A.R.T.Y. program (Prevent Alcohol-Related Trauma in Youth).
They followed the journey of an injured person from first contact with ambulance/fire/police through emergency room care, and ending with rehabilitation and what it is like to be an injury survivor.
The most challenging part of the day, according to the students, was eating lunch without use of their hands like a brain-injured person would have to.
All of the professionals who spoke to students stressed the message that life is risky, but that they can make smart choices by knowing what their stupid line is (i.e., how much risk they individually will take).
Are these injury prevention programs making a difference?
The answer is yes because I, as a paramedic, have noticed there have been no student deaths or serious injuries during prom the last three years.
The P.A.R.T.Y. program would not be possible without the commitment of Riverside Health Care Facilities, Inc. and the staff of La Verendrye Hospital to be patient working around the students while providing the realism of a working emergency department.
Thanks also needs to be given to the professionals for providing the time in their busy schedules.
Program sponsors are the Rainy River District Substance Abuse Team and the local Canada Safeway store.
Next school year, the program will continue with the Fort Frances High School Grade 10s, as well as expand to Rainy River High School.
Setting up another P.A.R.T.Y. site in Atikokan also will be explored.