Is The Thrill Worth It? goes remote!
If schools are interested in this program, please contact program coordinators:
Liane Fransblow, Trauma Coordinator, Injury Prevention Program 514-412-4400x 24805 [email protected] or
Angeliki Souranis, Social Worker, Trauma 514-412-4400 x 22797 [email protected]
“Is the Thrill Worth It?” is a program developed by the Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma Centre targeting secondary IV and V students. It's goal is to encourage students to reflect, be aware of risks and make informed choices with regards to responsible driving. This program is now virtual to comply with our unprecedented reality.
“Is the Thrill Worth It?” is a 2-part program* that includes: (1) the "Is the Thrill Worth it?" presentation on risk factors associated with car crashes presented by staff from our Trauma Centre, as well as (2) student-run peer-leader injury prevention campaign. The 2 part nature of the program allows the students not only to learn about the risks, but also to take ownership of the prevention messages which will be reinforced through different creative initiatives throughout the school year.
*Schools can choose to only participate in the presentation modules.
“Is the Thrill Worth It?” Presentation
During the 2020-2021 school year, The Is the Thrill Worth it? Presentation was adapted to be a 45 minute virtual presentation given by trauma experts from the Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma Centre. For 2021-2022, we will continue to abide by public health guidelines and provide the presentation in whatever format is allowed depending on the epidemiological situation at the time.
The presentation focuses on an original video created by the Montreal Children's Hospital Trauma Centre Injury Prevention Program. The video shows 4 scenarios of teenagers performing unsafe driving habits including: distracted driving, speeding, not wearing seatbelts and impaired driving, culminating in a 4-way crash. The presentation focuses on these 4 scenarios. The students are encouraged to reflect and analyze the scenarios by identifying the issue as well as strategies which coul have been used to ultimately prevent the crash.
Interactive videos, guest speakers and quizzes are incorporated throughout the presentation to engage students.
By choosing to participate in the peer-leader program (SLIPP) (see below), schools will be able to continue the dialogue of each topic. Following each module the chosen student leaders will be formulating virtual activities and challenges for their peers to reinforce the message. We strongly encourage schools to opt for the combination of presentations and SLIPP as this allows the students to understand the issues from the professionals, but then take ownership of the message and encourage safe behaviours amongst themselves.
Student Leadership in Injury Prevention Program (SLIPP)
SLIPP is a student-run year long education and awareness campaign focused on road safety and the prevention of motor vehicle collisions in young drivers. Student leaders will develop and produce various unique activities targeting their peers.
Expectations of the School:
If you choose to participate in SLIPP, your school would need to identify a staff member who would work closely with the Montreal Children’s Hospital representative. The staff member’s role would be to assist in the recruitment of student leaders, participate in planning meetings with students and be a resource person for these students in the planning and implementation of their challenges.
Student Involvement
A selected group of 5-10 students in secondary IV and/or V will be chosen to be SLIPP leaders. They are expected to participate in a virtual orientation session provided by the Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma Centre Injury Prevention Program. They will also be required to participate in regular planning meetings.
The following are some examples of the activities that past SLIPP leaders have planned**:
- Instagram campaign on always wearing a seatbelt
- Morning announcements about road safety facts
- Fatal vision obstacle courses
- Mario cart distracted driving challenge
- A pledge “donut” drink and drive
- Public Service Announcement videos
**Activities can be in person or virtual depending on the public health situation.
Trauma Centre Involvement
The Trauma Centre representatives will lead the virtual orientation session. They will work closely with the school staff throughout the program and will be available as a guiding resource. Regular virtual meetings will be provided to offer assistance and follow up with progress and program activities.
Upon completion of the program all SLIPP leaders are given participation certificates by the Montreal Children’s Hospital Trauma Centre.
Schools in the past have counted participation in SLIPP as a part of mandatory community service hours.
Testimonials
“Taking part in SLIPP was an enlightening experience. I got to learn vital information along the way and provide awareness about a cause I definitely feel passionate for. We were students talking to students and that was the most powerful part of the whole initiative.” - SLIPP Student Leader
“The presentation was fantastic. They captured the students attention from the beginning and never lost control of the group. They had a really good balance of facts, student involvement, and media clips. Both presenters were well informed on the topic and confident in presenting the information. The end of the presentation, where the students were able to see Angeliki being interviewed was extremely powerful and I believe it tied it all together as to why this is such an important topic to be speaking and learning about.” -Guidance Counselor and SLIPP staff leader