Youth is a stage of life characterised by rapid psychological and physical transition where young people progress from being dependent children to independent adults. Young people may be inclined to experiment and take risks that could potentially impact on their own health and wellbeing, as well as others.
The adolescent brain is still developing and teens will often act on their emotions and impulses. Risky behaviours are especially prevalent in people aged 15-24 years, where 40% of all deaths are trauma related.
Whilst parents and guardians play a vital role in keeping their children safe, Kildare College continues to educate your daughter/s to engage in responsible decision making and ultimately avoid risk-taking behaviour. One such initiative, is the College’s acceptance to an invitation to participate in the P.A.R.T.Y. Program (Prevention of Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth), with the Lyell McEwin and Royal Adelaide Hospitals.
Year 10 students were given the opportunity to visit the Royal Adelaide Hospital and witness first-hand what happens to victims of trauma as a result of drug and alcohol abuse. This included road traffic accidents, inattentive pedestrians, distractions while driving, driving under the influence, speeding and jetty jumping. Clinicians from the emergency department, intensive care unit, paramedics, organ donation department, and physiotherapy, spoke to the students about their experiences in dealing with trauma; which unfortunately happens far too often. Whilst death is a very real outcome, many others are left with permanent disabilities such as paraplegia and quadriplegia. The girls were faced with the fact that a single, impulsive decision could be a life-changing one. This was further conveyed when they listened to Elise, a victim of a careless road user who decided to text while driving. Consequently, Elise is a paraplegic who is left with the physical and mental scars of the horrific accident.
Additionally, the students were able to go behind the scenes in the emergency department and intensive care units where mock resuscitations were performed. These were certainly eye-opening and confronting experiences.
The students stated that it was an extremely meaningful experience. Below are just a few responses:
“You are able to choose the risk, but not the consequence.”
“This program was extremely confronting, but so amazing to be a part of. I loved it, and now want to have some sort of career in a hospital.”
“One decision can change lives.”
“Life changing!”
“A real eye-opener.”
Kildare College is committed to sending a group of Year 10 students in 2020 to continue reinforcing the importance of responsible and safe behaviours.
Zefi Pezos
Acting Chanel House Leader
