by Emily Gerson

On Thursday 5th September, the Unit 4 Health & Human Development class went to the Royal Melbourne Hospital P.A.R.T.Y. Program (Prevent Alcohol Related Tragedy in Youth Program). This program aims to help teenagers understand risks, choices and consequences and gives them the opportunity to speak with real life patients about what it is like to be in hospital and how their choices have impacted on their lives. The students followed the path of a trauma patient through the hospital, looking at their management in acute environments such as the trauma ward, emergency department and intensive care units. The students also learnt about the long term impact and disability injuries can cause, by participating in physiotherapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy sessions.

Students had the opportunity to speak with the staff who care for trauma patients while they are hospitalised and were encouraged throughout the day to make smart choices and think twice about taking risks to prevent harm to themselves and others.