IMPACT: Impaired Minds Produce Actions Causing Trauma

IMPACT Hits the Road and Reaches More Students:

Historically, a small group of students from each secondary school are invited to attend the IMPACT program at the hospital, but recently the police and secondary school teachers came up with an idea to increase IMPACT’s reach to this vulnerable audience. They felt that more students needed to hear the important message of preventable trauma. IMPACT’s goal is to reduce drinking and driving among teenagers and to heighten their awareness to the potential consequences of high-risk behaviour. In order to increase the number of IMPACT presentations delivered at Secondary Schools thus reaching more students, more trained presenters were required. A group of dedicated volunteers responded to a request for assistance, and agreed to enhance their presentation skills as well as increasing their knowledge and expertise in the field of injury prevention.

These individuals have not only increased awareness to those at risk of the devastating consequences of trauma, but have also positively represented the IMPACT program, and the organizations they work for. These individuals have shown exceptional dedication and commitment to the IMPACT program, and have given countless hours to learn new skills required in presenting the material, while meeting the demands of the presentation requests.

“The reason I became involved in educating people in injury prevention through IMPACT is because as a Paramedic I am only called to help people after a trauma has already occurred. I felt that by becoming active in educating people of the everyday dangers in life, that I might be able to help somebody BEFORE they become injured. In my career I often feel as though I am not able to help people significantly after a trauma, so by possibly preventing that trauma from ever happening I get a real sense of accomplishment and pride”. ----IMPACT external presenter

With more volunteers available to deliver in-school presentations, IMPACT now reaches more than 1200 students each year, a 300% increase in the number of students reached than before this volunteer initiative began. External presenters include front line health care workers, paramedics and emergency room nurses who have experienced the devastation of injury first hand. The volunteer staff presenting the IMPACT material are highly regarded as experts in the field of trauma and are respected by the students. This has been a very exciting venture benefiting both the volunteers and the students. The trauma program looks forward to another successful year reaching even more students with this prevention message.

Emergency

Critical Care

Parkwood Component