Safety program urges teens to ThinkFirst®
Many teenagers feel they are invincible. Unfortunately, the Trauma Center at Lancaster General Hospital often sees the tragic results of throwing caution to the wind.
In 2005, the Trauma-Neurosurgical ICU at Lancaster General Hospital treated 223 patients aged 16-20. Every year, this age group represents its biggest percentage of patients.
“It breaks your heart to see so many young people come into our trauma unit,” says Carol Noll, RN, a Trauma Department nurse. “And the majority of those injuries are preventable.”
That’s why Lancaster General sponsors ThinkFirst®. Carol and the ThinkFirst® team – co-director Genie Hostetter, Cindy Ashekan and Jennifer Cutler – take their message of safety and injury prevention directly to 10th and 11th graders. In addition, Lancaster Neuroscience and Spine Associates are strong supporters of the program. Dr. Chris Kager, a neurosurgeon with the group, is Lancaster General Hospital's ThinkFirst® medical director.
“Trauma is the leading cause of death for this age group,” Carol says. “But even for those who recover from their injuries, life is often never the same.”
That message is driven home in a powerful 15-minute video of teenagers recounting personal stories of accidents and living with permanent injuries. “Students also see that injuries don’t just affect them,” she says. “They affect their whole family.”
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of traumatic injury for this age group, followed by falls (off a bike, skateboard, etc.) In many cases, alcohol and drugs are a factor.
Seatbelt use is one of the best ways to prevent serious injury. “Not just for you, but for everyone in your car,” Carol says. “If a passenger is not belted and there is an accident, that person could seriously injure you or someone else in the vehicle.”
She recommends young drivers make it a rule that the car doesn’t leave until everyone is wearing a seatbelt.
Lancaster General Hospital is an accredited Level II trauma center, committed to providing safety education in the community, says Lanyce Horn, RN, Trauma Services Manager.
“This is a well-rounded program with an outstanding staff attacking this problem head-on,” Lanyce says. “It would be great to get it into all 17 county school districts.”
It’s offered at no cost to school districts and is a part of several health and safety education programs. “Teachers, principals and school nurses love it,” she says.
“And we think the message is getting through to students,” Carol adds.
We invite you to call the Lancaster County Chapter of Safe Kids, a national organization committed to helping reduce child and teen injuries, at 544-3282.
For more information, call the Trauma Neurosurgical ICU at 544-5283.
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