It’s a heartbreaking reality – unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death among young people aged 16 to 24 in NSW, accounting for 88% of all fatalities in this age group.
Every year, more than 200,000 young Australians are rushed to emergency departments due to preventable trauma. It leaves a ripple effect of lives changed forever, families devastated, and young people’s futures uncertain.
P.A.R.T.Y. is saving young lives
Normally delivered out of Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, the Prevent Alcohol and Risk-related Trauma in Youth (P.A.R.T.Y.) Program is an evidence-based, immersive experience presented by specialty doctors, nurses and trauma survivors that simulates the real-life journey of a trauma patient from the emergency department to surgery, intensive care and rehabilitation.
Designed for individuals aged 15 to 25, the P.A.R.T.Y. Program focuses on the dangers of alcohol, drugs, reckless driving, and other risky behaviours that often result in preventable injuries – the leading cause of death and disability in this age group. The risk is compounded by peer pressure, impulsive behaviours, and a lack of awareness of the long-term consequences of risky choices.
"As a teacher, I deeply appreciate that this program is made available to our students free of charge. Many of our at-risk students wouldn’t normally have access to an experience like this, so it plays a vital role. While not all can attend, the impact spreads – those who do, gain life-saving knowledge and learn how to reduce the risk for themselves and their friends."
Extending the P.A.R.T.Y. Program
Thanks to a generous grant from The Adolph Basser Trust, this life-saving program has been extended to reach students directly in schools under the banner of the P.A.R.T.Y. Bedside to School-Wide Program. The program will empower students across the Northern Sydney Local Health District, with the knowledge and tools to make safer choices.
“We deeply appreciate the support of The Adolph Basser Trust. This extended program will help students understand the ripple effect of their choices. By giving them the tools to recognise potential injury-producing situations, they can develop strategies to make injury prevention choices and adopt behaviours that minimise unnecessary risk.”
The sessions include interactive workshops and simulations designed to resonate deeply with young attendees, driving home the life-altering consequences of risky behaviours and the importance of safer choices.
Now that this program is mobile, it will be delivered to groups of around 200 students, reaching many students – at no cost to parents or schools.
“The generosity of The Adolph Basser Trust is truly remarkable. We are honoured to witness how their philanthropic support is not only helping to save the lives of young people but also educating them in a unique and impactful way. None of this would have been possible without their support, and we are deeply grateful.”
Previous evaluations of the P.A.R.T.Y. Program show it reduces risk-taking behaviours, with a 31% drop in not wearing seatbelts and a 27% drop in activities linked to spinal cord or head injuries. By building on the success of the original program, the P.A.R.T.Y. Bedside to School-Wide Program is poised to make an even greater impact on the safety and well-being of young Australians.
The P.A.R.T.Y. Bedside to School-Wide Program is only possible because of philanthropic support. If you would like to expand its reach and protect more young Australians from preventable harm, please donate to the NORTH Foundation.
