Harbor Springs Prom Crash Simulation

Two days before the 2006 Harbor Springs High School prom, senior Austin Messner (an Allied-trained Medical First Responder and firefighter for the Readmond-Friendship-Cross Village fire department) coordinated a motor vehicle crash simulation involving staff from Allied EMS, Readmond-Friendship-Cross Village and Harbor Springs fire departments, and the Harbor Springs Police Department.

To provide students attending the upcoming prom a glimpse of the negative consequences involved in driving while under the influence, over 30 emergency workers responded to a simulated accident involving two vehicles and four patients, while students watched. Following the extrication and treatment of the patients (including one simulated fatality), students and emergency responders gathered in the new high school performing arts center for further discussion and a video presentation.

Allied EMS specifically wants to recognize the dedication and hard work that Austin put into this event. No EMS calls resulted from the prom held on May 6, 2006.