On the 3 March 2020, the Year 12 General Health Studies class were fortunate enough to go to the Albany Hospital to attend the P.A.R.T.Y Program. We started the day by learning about the effects of the alcohol related risk taking activities, led by a nurse who regularly worked in the Emergency Department (ED) here in Albany. We then went down to the ED and learnt about the processes and procedures that the Emergency Department have to follow when dealing with a young patient presenting with alcohol related trauma. This was pretty confronting and full on!
Following that activity, we then had two guest speakers share their insight with us. Nev from the drug support group in town, Palmerston Association, shared a story with us regarding the spiral of effects that a traumatic event can have on a family and community. The other was a paramedic who regularly deals with incidents. She mentioned how devastating it is, especially when youth are involved in road accidents.
Once the speeches were over, we had a tour of the ambulance and were shown how to use the stretchers. After the ambulance tour, we listened to a lecture regarding risk taking behaviour, specifically focusing on Acquired Brain Injuries. We then went to the rehabilitation section of the hospital. We completed activities with the local Physiotherapists and Occupational therapists. They shared with us common training they have to do with patients coming out of severe trauma, such as: using hoists, splints, wheel chairs, and communication activities for if you became speech impaired. A speech pathologist and swallowing therapist then came and educated us on how and why she would need to assist people in learning how to speak and swallow properly.
The P.A.R.T.Y program was very beneficial and worthwhile for the whole class. I know that we all took something away from this, and our participation will be a fond memory in the future.
@ 2023 Albany Senior High School