Redlands teens to get a reality check on safety

An award-winning injury prevention program that has the support of the Redland City Council will give Redlands College teenagers a reality check on how easy it is to sustain a permanent disability next Monday, 9 May.

Last year the Council generously donated $2,000 towards the Spinal Education Awareness Team (SEAT), which has inspired 1.4 million Queensland children to stay safe and injury free since 1987.

Mayor Melva Hobson will join SEAT presenter Wayne Horkings at the College to speak to 130 Year 12 students about the importance of considering the consequences of potentially dangerous behaviour.

“Spinal cord injuries have devastating and lifelong consequences, with the highest injury rate being among 15-24 year old males,” Cr Hobson said.

“We are dedicated to supporting any initiative that aims to educate about, and prevent spinal injuries, as well as providing for greater outcomes for spinal injury patients.”

“Redland City Council is dedicated to doing all we can to ensure our community is educated, responsible, and most importantly safe. With around 90 Queenslanders suffering from spinal injuries each year we need to be aware and vigilant – a spinal injury is permanent with the only cure being prevention.”

Wayne sustained quadriplegia in a car accident as a 17-year-old and has dedicated his life to preventing this injury from happening to others.

“There is no cure for a spinal cord injury. You can’t undo the permanent, lifelong damage to your spinal cord,” Wayne said.

“I stress to students, particularly teenagers who have their licence or are learning to drive, that a split-second action such as texting while driving or giving into peer pressure and getting into the car with someone who has been drinking can cause them to be paralysed for the rest of their lives.

“I know firsthand what it’s like to wake up from a coma and realise you’ll have to use a wheelchair for the rest of your life. If my story motivates these teens to stay safe, then that’s a great outcome.”

Spinal Injuries Association Chief Executive Officer Mark Henley said the power of the SEAT program was the presenters.

“We have 18 volunteer presenters throughout Queensland – from Stanthorpe to Rockhampton and right up to Cairns – and all of them have a spinal cord injury,” Mark said.

“When our presenters, who all use wheelchairs, share their very personal stories with students, you can visibly see that their words are having an impact.”

As a service of the Spinal Injuries Association, SEAT can be booked via the online form at www.spinal.com.au, by phoning 3391 2044 or by emailing seat@spinal.com.au.

Issued 4 May.