gms | German Medical Science

Objective: Prevention is the only effective method for avoiding damage from severe injuries in traffic accidents. In 2009 the neurosurgical clinic started the project "SURVIVAL" sponsored by a private grant and supported by ADAC, police, rescue services, a haulage contractor and a judo club: "Schadens-und Risikovermeidung im Verkehr aktiv lernen".

Method: From 2009 to 2014 1054 children aged 12-14 years participated in a 1 day interactive educational project. After passing a simulated traffic accident with a bicycle and crash test videos, a lecture about risks in traffic was given by a neurosurgeon and a policeman. The children visited 7 interactive sessions of 30min each in groups of 20-25 with the following subjects: Reaction time and distance of braking maneuvers in and outside a car, turnover simulator, bicycle course checking safety and skill, blind spot behind and at the side of a truck, special risks of motorcycles, equipment of an ambulance car, emergency calls and first aid. Neurosurgeons teach how to do a trepanation of a coconut. Head protection is simulated with eggs and miniature helmets, preventing fractures up to a fall from a height of more than 2 m. Judo trainers demonstrate safe falling. 480 children answered a questionnaire about risk situations and behavior in traffic.

Results: 7 stations of 30 min each and a total time of 7hours is the maximum duration for 175 children per day supported by up to 40 volunteers. The knowledge about the high risk of head injuries improves with the course, also the competence to call help by mobile phone. Evaluation of the questionnaires shows that 49% of the children already had accidents with a hospital stay in 28%. They are well informed about the risk of accidents, 87% had traffic instructions before. They feel safe in traffic, rely on their parents and policemen. 19% go to school by bicycle and 74% use a helmet.

Conclusions: The tasks and professional trainers of SURVIVAL show risks and possible injuries in accidents and may intensify awareness, alertness and behaviour in traffic. Although the number of children is limited, public awareness is enhanced by teachers, parents, newspapers, television and school projects. The learning effects can be evaluated scientifically, and due to sponsoring the project can be transferred to other cities and institutions.