Learners at Chesterfield College recently experienced first hand the consequences of dangerous driving, when the emergency services used shock tactics during a road safety event, which also included a mock-recue by an air ambulance crew.

A graphic road accident scene was set up for students at Chesterfield College, with real-life doctors, police and other emergency services personnel taking part to show the reality of a crash.



The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance participated in the demonstration, alongside Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, in a bid to deliver life-saving messages to young drivers, passengers and motorcyclists.

The demonstration was witnessed by students in classrooms as well as at the scene - as the demonstration was filmed and ‘beamed’ live to all of the College’s sites (around 3,000 students) by media students.

Steve Kelly, speaking on behalf of the College, which has one of the largest uniformed public services further education programmes in the country, commended students for the respect and maturity shown during the demonstrations, and praised the work of the partnership, “in drawing attention to an issue that sadly effects so many young people directly or indirectly each year”.



“Our uniformed public services students did a great job of marshalling the events and gained first-hand experience of life in the career areas for which they are training and preparing. I also think the true-to-life nature and scale of the demonstrations had a real impact on students, by raising awareness of the devastating risks associated with dangerous driving.”

Callum Taylor (17), who played the motorcyclist said: "I've got a friend who drinks and drives home at night. I used to get a lift with him because it's cheaper but after seeing the consequences of what can happen, I won't be taking that risk again."

Since viewing the demonstration, Callum said he plans to start learning to drive and would take care on the roads, adding: "It's not only yourself you could damage but other people and their families can get hurt as well."

He praised the emergency services, "Today emphasised how the emergency services pull together and work as a team."

Paul Williams (18), who played the driver, is learning to drive for real. He said: "I'll be more responsible behind the wheel after taking part in this.



"Some people drive back from town at night when they're drunk. They cause accidents, risk their own lives and other peoples."

Samantha Arnaud (19), who played the driver's sister, said: "I think it should raise awareness about how we should drive and the seriousness of what could happen. When I get my license I'm not going to risk getting a speeding ticket or being involved in an accident."



Victoria Sparkes and Chris Lofley, Community Safety Officers from Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, commended everyone who has dedicated time and effort towards the success of both ‘Wasted 08’ events.

Victoria added: “The involvement of the air ambulance was very exciting this year, and commitment by Chesterfield College to facilitate both events allowed it to reach thousands of young people.

“Everyone involved in the partnership is absolutely passionate about doing everything they can to discourage young people from risking their lives on our roads.”

Dr Pam Hardy, a consultant in emergency care in the Chesterfield Royal Hospital who wrote the scenarios from experience, said: “Our aim was to deliver a hard-hitting campaign that gives a true to life illustration of the consequences of driving with distractions, not wearing seatbelts, drink/drug driving, speeding and, for motorcyclists, not wearing appropriate clothing.

“The scenarios were graphic but they do reflect the scenes that face our emergency services week in, week out, illustrating also that not every road accident ends with a happy ending.”

Dr Hardy volunteered alongside other doctors from East Midlands Immediate Care Scheme, some of whom also work with the Derbyshire, Rutland and Leicestershire Air Ambulance, which landed at the College’s Clowne Campus.