Over 120 students observed a simulated road traffic accident exercise at Skibbereen Fire Station recently.
OVER 120 students observed a simulated road traffic accident exercise at Skibbereen Fire Station recently.
The students from the three secondary schools in Skibbereen were met with a typical scene which is often witnessed by the emergency services on a regular basis.
The incident involved two vehicles where one fatality occurred, with other casulties sustaining minor injuries.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer Ger Minihane explained how the fire service approaches and deals with accidents, while Garda youth liaison officer Don Davis highlighted the dangers of mobile phone use and speed.
A HSE paramedic also gave an outline of their role in emergency situations.
Sgt Tony McCathy gave a grave statistic for the West Cork roads already this year, pointing out there were four fatalities in the first four months of the year –one less than the total number for 2015 when five lives were lost on West Cork roads.
Two students also took part in the exercise and were placed in the vehicle, while the fire service and ambulance crew dealt with the crash. A questions and answer session followed the exercise.
‘As these young people will be coming of age where they will be driving vehicles in the near future we in the emergency services in Skibbereen hope that it has given the students an insight into the possible dangers,’ said a spokesperson for the emergency services.
