Altus Airmen stay "Street Smart"

  • Published
  • By Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Airmen and their families learned how to be at the front line of safety during the Street Smart presentations at the Veterans Theater on base June 5, 2012.

Experienced firefighters and paramedics from Florida Stay Alive from Education (S.A.F.E.) Inc. shared the consequences of poor choices such as not wearing seatbelts, eating or texting while driving, and drunken driving. Devastating and graphic pictures were shown as proof of these consequences.

"We show you what can happen to you when you make certain choices," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lieutenant Ralph Jimenez, co-founder of Florida S.A.F.E. Inc. "We show you what happens based on what we've seen."

The presenters could not stress enough how important it is to wear seatbelts.

"Seatbelts restrain you from being ejected from your vehicle during a crash," said Orlando Fire Department Lieutenant Joseph McCluan, Florida S.A.F.E. Inc. assistant director. "You are 25 times more likely to die when ejected from your vehicle."

During the program, the firefighters and paramedics did a walk-through of a real-life trauma experience with a volunteer from the audience. Jimenez and McCluan simulated the procedures to save the individual who made poor decisions due to drinking, texting while driving, and not wearing a seatbelt.

Several airmen found the presentation useful.

"Every time I get in my car for the next week, I'll be thinking of this presentation," said Airman 1st Class Devin D. Duncan, 97th Logistics Readiness Squadron fuels distribution apprentice. "Because of this presentation I will definitely be more cautious when driving."

This program is dedicated to making everyone aware of the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not wearing seatbelts, and the trauma associated with these dangers.

"We've been doing this for a long time and we have traveled all over the world and to many different military bases and also high schools and colleges to share our experiences and knowledge," McCluan said.

"Make the right choices, especially when on leave," Jimenez said. "This program is not meant to be a scare tactic--it is real."