from the scene of the crash to the chopper. Sheriff Smith explained to the students that air transport is reserved for only the most severe cases. Getting the patient to the hospital within the “golden hour” has a significant impact on the chances of a positive outcome. Unfortunately, it was already too late for some of our scenario’s victims. To help illustrate this tragic but important truth, Preddy Funeral Home participated in the exercise. Students observed while the simulated deceased were enclosed in body bags and moved into the hearse. As Firefighter Stewart Morris explained to the audience, the scenario was intended to be a “powerful, real-time look at what actually happens during and after a serious car accident.” During the mock crash, students witnessed “the chaos, the pain, and the irreversible consequences that come from one reckless decision.” The hope is that exposing students to the reality of what can happen will help them make better, safer choices for prom, graduation, and beyond. However, this lesson is not simply for students. Anyone who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle should remember that their decisions can have lifelong - and life ending - consequences, both for themselves and others. During his closing remarks, Sheriff Smith also took the opportunity to encourage any students interested in serving others to consider a career in public safety. See page 16 for an example of students in action, and page 17 for information about the upcoming Youth Academy program. A great deal of coordination was required to help make this event as real as possible. The organizers extend their thanks to the Orange Volunteer Fire Company, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Orange County Emergency Communications Center, Virginia State Police, Orange County Public Schools (especially the OCHS Drama Club), PHI Medical AirCare 6, Preddy’s Funeral Home, and A&M Towing.
“What you’re about to see may feel very real - and that’s exactly the point.” - Sheriff Jason Smith to gathered students
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