Hackensack Meridian Health AirMed OnePresents “Project Crash” to Barnegat High School Seniors

Did you know that eight teens (13-19) die every day in DUI crashes? Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for teens, and about a quarter of fatal crashes involve an underage drinking driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NATSA). The good news is that teen motor vehicle crashes are preventable. 

As high school seniors prepare for prom and graduation, Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) AirMed One teamed up with Barnegat High School and Barnegat First Responders:  Police, Fire, First Aid, and EMS to present “Project Crash” on Monday, May 15th.

“Project Crash” is an interactive mock demonstration to educate students of the consequences of driving impaired or being distracted. Members of the theater department at Barnegat High School dramatically performed a real-life scenario of a fatal car crash as the senior class watched in silence.

“The HMH AirMed One team has been taking “Project Crash” on the road for 13 years and I am delighted to bring it to the southern region,” said Chief Flight Nurse, Joseph Solada, RN, BSN, CFRN, NREMT-P, CMTE. “The collaborative effort from the high school administration, students, and local first response providers was phenomenal, and I thank all the participants who made this a success.”

The President and Chief Hospital Executive of Hackensack Meridian Southern Ocean Medical Center (SOMC) flew in with the HMH AirMed One  team to assist in the drill.  “My hope is that students seeing this real life scenario will think twice about the consequences of drinking and driving or being distracted,” said Michele Morrison, MPH, BSHN, RN.

For more information, visit: HackensackMeridianHealth.org/SOMC or call 1-844-HMH-WELL.