Street Smart program to visit Malmstrom

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristina Overton
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Safe driving and making responsible choices when behind the wheel are just as important for our Air Force Global Strike Command personnel as they are for civilians. To assist in advocating positive decision making to men and women in uniform, the program Street Smart is set to visit 50 military installations across the United States to include Malmstrom Air Force Base Dec. 7 and 8.

Street Smart takes audiences into the real-life drama experienced by firefighters and paramedics as they work to save the lives of those who have made poor choices about underage drinking, drunk driving, using illegal drugs or not wearing a seat belt. The program has been shared with more than 185,000 members of the U.S. military since 2003.

The primary focus group for the Street Smart program targets members 26 and younger, who are statistically more susceptible to vehicle accidents.

"This is the first time this program has come to Malmstrom," said Shawn Smith, 341st Missile Wing ground safety specialist. "After we found out who would be performing for us we were really excited about them coming. It's going to be a really good program and will get a strong point across."

During Street Smart presentations, the paramedics walk the audience through what happens at a trauma scene using the medical equipment they employ daily in their jobs. From taking a pulse and loading the victim onto a backboard, to simulating an IV-line being inserted, the audience can see and feel what it's like to try to save a life and what it's like to be the victim. More than a demonstration, audiences learn the stories behind the crashes, they hear the choices that individuals made, and they see irresponsible actions played out.

"This is a great time for this program to be at Malmstrom, especially with the holidays," Mr. Smith said. "During this season people tend to rush and not think about simple safety maneuvers as much as they should, such as wearing seat belts and preparing for incidents. With the extreme cold and the traveling that people do during this season, it'll be an opportunity to take a few minutes to focus back in on the importance of safety."

The Street Smart program is presented by members of Stay Alive From Education, a non-profit organization created by firefighter/paramedics across Florida, dedicated to reducing injuries and fatalities. S.A.F.E. has been reaching students and military personnel across the United States with its powerful message, and the program is available to help people be "street smart" when it comes to making safe decisions.

To learn more about S.A.F.E., visit www.safeprogram.com.