DUI-Mock Crash In the weeks before the local high school proms, EVAC Ambulance, in conjunction with MADD, Volusia County Air-One, and local fire departments, presents Mock Crash, which is an outdoor demonstration of a drinking and driving accident with a fatality. This program helps increase student understanding of the causes and effects of drinking and driving
In 2004, drivers 15-17 years of age were involved in 14,940 crashes in Florida. Of those crashes, 255 were alcohol related. The same age group of drivers was involved in 154 fatal crashes . Twelve of the 154 fatalities were teenagers that were under the influence of alcohol. EVAC Ambulance encourages high school students to make positive decisions for safe an healthy lifestyles. We are continually praised by parents and administrators for the dramatic way this program reaches the teen audience.
For more information, contact our Director of Clinical Services.
EVAC Ambulance DUI-Mock Crash Video
Crash' depicted for local kids
By Jeanne Willard Staff writer / Home Town News /: Hometown News ‘Crash’ depicted for local kids
PORT ORANGE - Alison White was visibly shaken after witnessing a mock drunk-driving crash at Spruce Creek High School. "I've seen it before, but it still got to me," Alison said of the realistic simulation. The 17-year-old senior lost a friend last year in an alcohol-related accident and the memories came flooding back. More than 1,000 juniors and seniors watched as the immediate aftermath of a head-on crash was enacted on the football field. The scene was prom night and student actors played the part of victims. Fake blood and salvage vehicles that had been in an actual crash lent a stark realism to the grisly scene. Students in the football stands watched the scene unfold as the crash was "discovered" by prom goers passing by in a limousine. Port Orange police and fire departments responded with real-time dispatching broadcast over a sound system. Students watched as rescue workers used the "jaws of life" -a rescue tool that cuts through metal - to peel back the top of the car so victims can be removed from the mangled vehicle. One mock-crash victim was pronounced dead at the scene, one was airlifted by Volusia County Sheriff's Air One helicopter to the hospital, and another was transported by EVAC ambulance.
The drunk driver walked away from the crash unhurt, claiming he'd "only had a couple of beers." He failed the field sobriety test and was "arrested" at the scene facing DUI and possible manslaughter charges. The dramatic exercise was staged to heighten awareness and prevent drinking-and driving-related crashes, said Tonya Gilardi, Port Orange Fire Department public information officer. Tory Budd, 17, said the presentation was impressive and empowering. "It will make you think about what you want to do," he said. He doesn't believe students will necessarily stop drinking, but maybe this will keep them from driving after drinking.
The statistics are staggering, said Patty Tufano, registered nurse at Halifax Medical Center. In 2005, 16,885 people were killed in alcohol- related crashes, she said. Of that total, 1,400 deaths occurred in Florida, which is ranked third in the nation in alcohol-related deaths. For those students who might not take the presentation seriously she explained the probable catastrophic injuries of such an accident. Ms. Tufano challenged students to talk to rescue workers who have pulled someone from a vehicle or listen to a chaplain who has consoled a grieving family. "Look in the eyes of a mother whose child has just died," she told students.
Matt Wells, 18, said the mock crash likely will persuade students not to drink and drive. Both Matt and Tory say they've been designated drivers in the past and plan to continue that policy. The presentation serves as "reality therapy" of what could happen, said Tim Egnor, Spruce Creek principal. "Students tend to think they are bulletproof and indestructible," he said. When Alison White remembers her lost friend, she knows the unthinkable can occur. "You never believe it's going to happen," she said. "But it does."
Students participating in the mock crash included Jonathon Ricci, 18, Shayna McCalla,18, Joseph Papa, 18, and Jennifer Schwarz, 17. Willard@hometownnewsol.com
