Trauma Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Participates in “Every 15 Minutes” Program
Victims transported in a simulation to addresses underage alcohol consumption & consequences

San Jose, CA – On Wednesday, April 11th and again on April 18th, the Trauma Center at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center will participate in the “Every 15 Minutes” program, a two-day program for high school juniors and seniors.  It challenges students to think about drinking, driving, the responsibility of making mature decisions, and the impact those decisions have on their personal safety, family, friends, and others.

On April 11th, two high school students will be transported to SCVMC by ambulance and undergo a trauma resuscitation as if they had been in a serious alcohol-related car accident. The “victims” are expected to arrive at approximately at 10:45 am. The hospital will then begin its activation. Hospital departments have been instructed to respond as if there were an actual major trauma, as long as the response does not interfere with patient care. Family members will also participate in the simulation at SCVMC. Reporters will be able to observe this unique and important simulation exposing teenagers and their families to the dangers of drinking and driving. Questions to and photos of participants in this simulation and staff will be permitted.

The “Every 15 Minutes” program name comes from the fact that in the 1990’s someone in the U.S. died in an alcohol-related traffic collision every 15 minutes.  The implementation of state laws and community programs has reduced this statistic to every 30 minutes, a figure that is still unacceptable.

Note to News Media Organizations: If you are interested in covering the “Every 15 Minutes” program at SCVMC, please contact Joy Alexiou at 408.885.34164 to confirm your attendance in advance.

DETAILS
Wednesday, April 11, 2012        10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m.
Two Saratoga High School Students will be brought by ambulance to the SCVMC Emergency Department.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012        11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m
Two Milpitas High School Students will be brought to the SCVMC Emergency Department. One will arrive by ambulance, the other by helicopter.

Location and Parking
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Emergency Department
751 South Bascom Avenue, San Jose

With construction near the Emergency Department, parking is an issue. Please park in the garage at the corner of Renova and Turner Drives, adjacent to the main hospital building. Walk through the lobby of the main building to the Emergency Department.

About the “Every 15 Minutes” Program
The “Every 15 Minutes” program simulates major traumas and the response by the Trauma Team and Trauma Surgeon.  The Trauma Team simulates trauma resuscitations for these severely injured victims.  Unfortunately, the victims’ injuries are not survivable and both victims die.  During this time the victims’ families arrive at the Emergency Department. The families participate in a simulated death notification and are assisted by Social Services and the Trauma Team. They visit their family member in the trauma room before leaving the hospital.  The day following the simulation, students participate in activities off-site with SCVMC Emergency Department and ICU nurse volunteers. Medical staff attend in order to share their experiences of caring for victims and families of alcohol related crashes with the students. 

In 2000, SCVMC Trauma Services, local law enforcement, fire departments, pre-hospital care providers (AMR), the Santa Clara County Coroner’s Office, and a local mortuary formed a Santa Clara County “Every 15 Minutes” work group.  The group partners with local high schools to implement “Every 15 Minutes” events.  The program is funded by a California Office of Traffic Safety Grant administered by the CHP. SCVMC has actively participated in the “Every 15 Minutes” program since its inception.

About SCVMC
Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is the largest hospital in Santa Clara County. With high-quality, specialized treatment for emergency medical care, trauma, burns, and rehabilitation from severe injuries, SCVMC provides essential community health services. Santa Clara Valley Medical Center is a public hospital owned and operated by the County of Santa Clara.

Contact: Joy Alexiou, Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System, (408) 885-4164
Posted: Tuesday, April 10, 2012