Hundreds of students attend Prom Promise mock disaster at Highland County Fairgrounds
The Highland County Press
As the 2015 high school prom season approaches, local law enforcement officers and first-responders provided a chilling pre-prom message of life-saving safety this week.
Led by Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District Chief Bradley George and Highland County Sheriff's Office DARE Officer Dep. Bobby Stroop, a Thursday morning mock disaster exercise was held at the Highland County Fairgrounds.
Hundreds of students from Hillsboro High School and Fairfield High School attended the drill.
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George asked the students to think of three things when they get behind the wheel of their car: "Think of you, think of your friends as victims and think of the impact on your family – everybody that's left behind."
In addition to warning teen drivers about the dangers of drinking and driving, George also discussed the dangers of texting and driving or talking on a cell phone while operating a vehicle.
"Do you know the most unsent final text that we see on a cell phone at an accident scene?" George asked the students.
"It's 'k.' A simple 'k.' Is an accident worth that 'k?' No, it's not worth it. You guys are better than that."
First responders held a fatal crash scene re-enactment at the fairgrounds, complete with Med Flight and Care Flight medical helicopters on scene as well as a hearse from Turner Funeral Homes.
Officers, firefighters and EMTs took students through the aftermath of a fatal car crash, from the initial 911 call, to emergency response and transport, investigation and the notification of next of kin. Officers explained the impact of such a potential lethal decision to text and drive or drink and drive, and also stressed the hurt that such actions can cause to other family members.
Students also heard from Lee Harris, who shared his real-life experiences of being seriously injured in a drunk-driving crash more than two decades ago.
Stroop said after the fatal crash – in which it was determined the driver was impaired – the Ohio State Highway Patrol would process the scene, make the arrests and charges would be filed.
Following the crash, students attended the mock funeral. "When they pass by the casket and look down, there's a mirror," Stroop said. "It's a reminder of what can happen."
Stroop and George thanked all the volunteers and agencies involved with the 2015 Prom Promise Mock Disaster, including: the Hillsboro Police Department, the Highland County Sheriff's Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Med Flight, Care Flight, Paint Creek Joint EMS and Fire District, Lynchburg Area Joint Fire and Ambulance District, Highland County North Joint Fire District, Turner Funeral Homes, Southern State Community College and the Fair Board.