THOMASVILLE- Brookwood high school students got a stark reminder of the risk of driving under the influence on Friday afternoon, when Archbold Medical Center partnered with the school, Thomas County Sheriff’s Office, Thomasville Police Department, Thomas County EMS and Georgia State Patrol for Operation Prom. 

Archbold Trauma Program Manager and Emergency Department Director Kelli Vaughn welcomed the students, explaining the scenario they were about to witness was a visual reminder of the impact the choice to drink can have on them and on others. 

“In 2022, 40% of Archbold’s trauma patients involved car crashes that had alcohol involved,” she said. “Our intention is not to scare, but to inform you of the potential consequences of your actions.” 

The exercise began with a 911 call, after a group of students heading to a prom afterparty were involved in a serious accident, with one being thrown from the vehicle. 

Reported injuries were entrapment, along with unconsciousness. 

E911 responded with two ambulances, a firetruck and two Georgia State Patrol troopers. 

While waiting on emergency responders, friends of those in the vehicle saw the scene unfold and called 911 as well. 

EMS arrived, checking the patients, while the fire department worked to begin extricating those entrapped in the vehicle. Troopers noticed the driver appeared to be under the influence and began conducting field sobriety tests. 

The scene continued to show the possible horrors that can occur, when EMS concluded that the individual entrapped in the vehicle no longer had a pulse. Following the extrication, firefighters attempted CPR to no avail and a coroner was called on scene to pronounce him dead. 

His parents then showed up and were informed of the tragic loss, while the driver was taken away by GSP in handcuffs. 

The scene then concluded with students hearing from several professionals, who have actually witnessed these scenarios. 

Joseph McKinnon, Assistant District Attorney, spoke to the students about the real life consequences of driving under the influence, as he is tasked with being a Juvenile Prosecutor. 

“I can tell you no one wants to call anybody and tell them their child has died and no one wants to look over at their best friend dead in the seat next to them,” he said. “One of the leading causes of death for people in your age group is automotive accidents. If you drink and drive, you’re taking your life in your hands and the hands of everyone in that car.” 

McKinnon strongly encouraged the students to drive safely and securely. 

“You don’t want to end up dead and you don’t want to end up in court with me,” he said. “You could go to prison. There are people in prison for vehicular homicide. You don’t want that to be you; you don’t want to look your mama in the eye as you leave that courtroom in handcuffs.” 

Trauma and Medical Director, Dr. Greg Patterson then spoke to the students.

“I’ve had four kids go through Brookwood and one of my biggest fears was having to tell a family that a kid has died in my care,” he said. “I haven’t had to tell anyone from Brookwood that, yet, but I have had to tell parents at other area high schools, and it takes a lot of you.” 

Patterson explained he had been practicing trauma for the past 30 years of life and has to tell countless parents their child had died due to a drunk driving accident. 

“I encourage you to be responsible,” he said. “There are other times in your life where you can do crazy things, but never behind the wheel of a car.” 

Patterson went on to explain that the same goes for getting behind the wheel if the driver is too tired. 

“We had a rule at our house, that if you call for any reason, rather it being feeling unsafe or too tired or whatever, there’s no questions asked,” he said. “We have a really good trauma center here, but we don’t want to use it.” 

Headmaster Dr. Randy Watts concluded the program, saying he hoped the students took away the severe consequences that can happen if they choose to drink and drive. 

“If you show up to Brookwood events under the influence, you’re expelled, but that’s the most minor consequence that will be put on the table,” he said. “If you’re 17 and applying to college and have been convicted, it’ll take most colleges off the table. It will follow you the rest of your life.” 

Watts explained that the scene witnessed was one of the worst case scenarios, but statistically students on prom night are more likely to make risky decisions and be involved in accidents. He pleaded with the students to use their best judgement, as prom season will soon be in full swing.