Graduating students at Oilfields School got a sobering look at the impacts of impaired driving as part of an injury-prevention program in Diamond Valley.
Operation Prevention, held at the school on May 14, works to prevent trauma by assisting teens in recognizing risks and making safer choices, said Diamond Valley Fire Rescue Chief TJ Moore.
To begin the day-long program, students watched a simulated emergency response to a serious motor vehicle accident caused by an impaired driver.
“Students will follow the journey of both the trauma patient and the impaired driver,” Moore said.
Following the mock car crash, participants visited Oilfields General Hospital and a local fire hall, and then heard from a mother who lost her daughter to an impaired driver, talked with first responders and went through different scenarios while wearing impairment googles.
Interacting with emergency responders, healthcare providers and individuals who have survived trauma, often with significant disabilities, help teens understand the consequences of risky behaviours, Moore said.
Operation Prevention is organized by Diamond Valley’s Public Safety Department and Oilfields School’s academic and career advisor. It's the second year it has taken place.
Agencies involved include Diamond Valley peace officers, RCMP, Diamond Valley Fire Rescue, AHS paramedics, Oilfields Hospital, FCCS, Oilfields High School and MADD.