May 02, 2002:

Immaculata Academy Conducts Pre-prom "Students Against Drunk Driving" Assembly

This afternoon, members of the Big Tree and Blasdell Volunteer Fire Companies joined together in an effort to educate Immaculata Academy students about the hazards of drinking and driving. The outdoor assembly featured a real-time auto extrication demonstration by the Big Tree Technical Rescue Team. Four students from Immaculata played the role of victims. During the extrication, students were informed about the grim statistics related to youthful drinking and driving. With the Immaculata Prom scheduled for this Friday, the assembly served as a timely reminder to not drink and drive.

Annually, almost 17,000 people are killed in alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. Statistically, 22% of young drivers involved in fatal crashes have been drinking.

A special thanks goes out to the staff of Immaculata Academy for allowing us to present this important message. Additionally, we would like to commend our four victims, (Andrea Hooper, AnnMarie Piontek, Lori McIntyre and Allison Piwko) for a job well done. The members of the Big Tree Volunteer Fire Company hope this year's prom season is enjoyable and safe for all attendees!

Firefighters and EMTs work to free the trapped victims. A crushed down roof entrapped the 3 victims in the car.

The "Jaws of Life" are used to cut roof off of the vehicle.


While EMTs assess the victims in the car, other firefighters stabilize the vehicle by placing cribbing beneath the frame.		After extricating the victims, EMTs package the patients for transport in the ambulance.


Students from Immaculata Academy served as victims for the drill. Makeup was used to simulate wounds.		With the roof removed, access to the victims became possible.