PRINCE ALBERT — A new interactive exercise for children was launched in Prince Albert Thursday, as a group of about 20 Grade 5 children from Riverside School gathered in its library.
The Safe Saskatchewan-Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services Association (SEMSA) Rebecca Trail is a scavenger hunt-like game that provides children with information about injuries and how to prevent them through signs and activities the children can participate in.
“This brand new trail (shares a) new injury prevention message and gets the message out to make sure that kids are being safe,” said Lyle Karasiuk, spokesman for Parkland Ambulance, adding, “The interactive exercise teaches injury prevention to young people at any age.”
Evander Sanderson was one of the students who participated in the trail’s launch. The 11-year-old was eager to take part in the activities and said he learned a lot from the exercises.
“I learned that I need proper equipment for my skateboard and bike and where to play and if there’s an emergency call 9-1-1,” he said, adding that he was going to share the information.
“I’m going to tell my mom and dad, and they can pass it on to my brothers and sisters. It will give my mom, dad, brothers and sisters information about safety to be safe when they ride a bike and play.”
Gord Moker, CEO of Safe Saskatchewan, said the activity is essential in reducing the amount of injuries happening on a daily basis in the province.
“We have an injury epidemic in the province and how to put an end to it is to each do our part and work together,” he said.
According to the Saskachewan Prevention Institute website, unintentional injuries cost Saskatchewan $629 million, 399 lives, and 2,540 individuals suffered a disability, in 2004.
Moker said having the children involved is intended to spread the word faster and to more people.
“We recognize by looking at examples what profound impact children can make. When messages come from children, we listen,” he said, noting his children have prompted him to recycle more and to take extra safety precautions.
Rebecca Trail will be one of the many features at the Family Safety Expo at the Gateway Mall on Oct. 22 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
