P.A.R.T.Y. Program Aims to Save Lives

P.A.R.T.Y. Program Aims to Save Lives

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Two Hills and Area Victim Services held its annual P.A.R.T.Y. (Prevent Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) Program at the Centennial Hall and Mennonite School on May 10.

A total of 75 Grade 9 students from Two Hills School, Two Hills Mennonite School and New Myrnam School participated in the one day injury awareness and prevention program. P.A.R.T.Y. Program is designed for youth aged 15 and older and was developed in 1986 at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto in an effort to reduce death and injury in alcohol, drug and risk-related crashes and incidents.

First responders.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

There are P.A.R.T.Y. Programs in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Germany, Japan and the United States with over 100 sites to date.

P.A.R.T.Y. Program goals are to:

• increase awareness of behaviour that puts teenagers at risk

• increase teenagers ability to recognize and make informed safe choices about potentially dangerous situations

• increase knowledge of the impact of serious injury on lifestyle

• increase awareness of personal responsibility for actions

• promote active participation in injury prevention

• reduce the incidence of risk related trauma in youth

Program Manager of Two Hills and Area Victim Services Melonie Gillis (Mazurek) said the program has been offered in the community for many years and said it is a very interesting program as it involves different aspects of trauma from the perspective of a variety of first responders.

Cst. Brochu administers breath sample.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

The day began with a mock collision involving Two Hills Fire and Rescue, Two Hills RCMP and Medavie Emergency Medical Services.

Students Daisy Steinbecher, Medea Wiebe and Lola Ellingham all participated in the mock collision. Lola said through the mock exercise she realized how dangerous drinking and driving could be and what the possible consequences are. Medea, who played the drunk driver, said it was scary and going through the process was also a bit terrifying, but a valuable eye opener at the same time.

First responders.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Cassie O’Reilly, a Grade 9 student from New Myrnam School, said it was a cool demonstration to see in person and thought about the fact that could be her one day in that type of scenario. O’Reilly has her learners licence and said that she will definitely be watching speed limits, distractions and staying clear of alcohol and drugs in the future.

Melonie Gillis (Mazurek) welcomed the students and gave a brief overview of the Two Hills & Area Victim Services and its mandate as well as what types of assistance it offers to people throughout the area.

Cst. Brochu.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Cst. Lee Brochu discussed alcohol and drug use and driving licenses and traffic laws. Jeff Dolesji from Medavie talked about the role and responsibilities of EMS at accident scenes. Cheryl Euchuk from Alberta Health Services presentation focused on effects of alcohol and fatal vision goggles. Dave Marko focused on ATV riding and safety which is of paramount importance.

Gillis (Mazurek) said they do not receive any funding for the P.A.R.T.Y Program and rely on sponsorship that was provided this year through a grant from TC Energy.