For Immediate Release
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 781-791-7627
Email: john@jgpr.net
Burlington Police Conduct Mock Car Accident Response for High School Students
Safe Driving Urged During Prom Season
Burlington Police today teamed with Boston Med Flight and Lahey Hospital and Medical Center to conduct a simulated car crash and emergency medical response aimed at teaching safe driving skills to high school students approaching the prom season.
The bi-annual event encourages students to make smart decisions when they get behind the wheel and prevent poor choices like driving under the influence, and distractions like texting while driving. It is organized by Officer Bernie Schipelliti, Burlington PD”s Traffic Safety Officer.
“Our number one goal as a police department is to keep the people of Burlington safe, and we hope that events like this really hit home for these kids,” Chief Michael Kent said. “It’s not about getting in trouble; it’s about saving your life.”
About 500 students in the junior and senior classes at Burlington High School participated in the day’s activities that included a simulated crash between two previously-crashed cars, a 911 call, emergency response, extrication of victims and transportation to the hospital.
In the simulation, one student died, one was critically injured and transported by Med Flight, two were taken by ambulance, and one student was arrested for driving under the influence.
After the mock crash, students listened to a presentation in the high school auditorium, where they were addressed by school staff, a Boston Med Flight Crew, Burlington Police, and Emergency Room Physician, Dr. Thomas M. Brand, MD, of Lahey.
“We want to make students think about making good decisions when they are in a motor vehicle. It starts buckling your seat belt, because the safety devices in your car are designed to work if you’re belted in place properly, and they may not function properly if you’re not,” Officer Schipelliti said. “And it includes avoiding distractions and driving while intoxicated.”
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