JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Airmen of the 316th Wing are required to go to the Street Smart presentation at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Aug. 30 at the base theater.
"Street Smart is presented by Stay Alive From Education, a organization created by firefighter paramedics in Florida, dedicated to reducing injuries and fatalities due to drinking and driving and non-compliance of seatbelt use," said Lisa N. Carter, 316 WG safety deputy chief. "It takes audiences into the real-life drama experienced by firefighter paramedics as they work to save the lives of those who have made poor choices when it comes to underage drinking or using illegal drugs, DUI, and non-compliance of seat belts."
According to the S.A.F.E. website the program consists of a team of two state-certified paramedics who will walk the members through what happens at a trauma scene using the medical equipment they employ daily in their jobs. From taking a pulse, to loading the victim onto a backboard, to simulating an IV-line being inserted, students can see and feel what it's like to try to save a life, and what it's like to be the victim.
"As the 101 Critical Days of Summer come to an end we want members of Team Andrews to not become complacent in their activities while off-duty and understand that the single highest cause of fatalities is motor vehicle crashes. Making poor decisions such as drinking or not wearing a seat belt when operating a motor vehicle drastically increases the probability of a crash. This program brings personnel into the action as it unfolds immediately after a crash," Ms. Carter said.
The goal of the S.A.F.E. program is to offer young adults information that will allow them to make rational decisions concerning their safety, hopefully reducing injuries and fatalities, giving them the opportunity to become responsible and healthy adults, according to the S.A.F.E. website.
"Part of the Team Andrews mission is to "Deploy Combat Ready Airmen" and "Provide Presidential Support to Airmen & their Families," Ms. Carter said. "I would hope that by attending this program our personnel will better understand the consequences of making poor decisions and the affects they have on themselves, their families and being able to complete our mission."
For more information on the program, visit the S.A.F.E website at
www.safeprogram.com/safe.htm.