Paramedics issue reminder to grads to celebrate responsibly.

VANCOUVER, B.C., June 15, 2018– The Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of BC want to warn grads this year to have fun but be safe.  

This is an exciting time of year for many students, as they graduate from high school and take the next steps towards their future.  An accomplishment of this magnitude requires celebration – however sometimes these celebrations can go too far and have dire consequences. 

Paramedics and emergency dispatchers are all too aware of the reality that can result from making decisions while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.  During the final weeks of graduation, they often see an increase in calls related to partying, including alcohol poisoning, overdoses and traumatic injuries.

This year, in an effort to support responsible celebrations, the Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of BC reached out to every high school in the province to help raise awareness of the risks associated with activities that incorporate drug and alcohol use well celebrating.  The material shared included two posters schools could use as part of their promotion of a safe and responsible grad.  Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers have shared the content on social media platforms as well.  

“We want to congratulate each and every Graduate of 2018.  These students have a lifetime of opportunity ahead of them, and we want to help protect their futures,” says Cameron Eby, Provincial President of the Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of BC. 

The Ambulance Paramedics and Emergency Dispatchers of BC acknowledge that it is not just students and graduates that need a reminder this time of year.  “As the weather gets warmer, we tend to see more traumatic injuries and accidents as a result of recreational activities involving alcohol or substance use – so remember to be safe this summer and don’t make choices that can change yours, or someone else’s, life forever” reminds Eby.

For a PDF file of this press release click HERE.

To view the posters click HERE.