P.A.R.T.Y. program reduces traumatic injury in teens

A Sunnybrook study has found that students who participate in the hospital's Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program are less likely to incur traumatic injuries than those who do not.

The P.A.R.T.Y. Program is a one-day injury awareness and prevention program for youth ages 15 years and older with the goal of teaching teens to recognize their injury risks and make smart decisions to reduce them.

"We created the program to take teens through the grim realities of a trauma patient," says Joanne Banfield, lead author on the study, and manager of the program.

"Over the day they hear from paramedics, police officers and nurses as well as injury survivors. The students also walk through the trauma room and Critical Care Unit. It is a very powerful way to communicate the importance of making informed choices," she adds.

The study looked at data from a 10-year period (1993-2002) with data suggesting that those teens who did not attend were at a 21.8 per cent greater risk of a traumatic event than those in the group who did.

"It is very rewarding to release these findings during the 25th year of the program. We wish to continue to expand and inform young people around the world about making good decisions," Banfield adds.

The effectiveness was stronger among females and before the driver licensing system was implemented on April 1, 1994.

The study, "Effectiveness of the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth Program in Preventing Traumatic Injuries: A 10-Year Analysis" was published in the March issue of the Journal of Trauma.