The Injury Minimization Programme for Schools (I.M.P.S.) celebrates 10 years at the Horton General Hospital in Banbury on 9 November 2009.
I.M.P.S. is an injury prevention education programme for year 6 children (aged 10 - 11 years), that provides them with the basic knowledge and skills to:
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minimise injury
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provide basic life support
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take safer risks.
Local coordinator, Lynn Pilgrim said: "Unintentional injury is a leading cause of death and illness in young people. On average two million children attend A&E departments each year because of accidental injury and every week five children die. Many of these injuries were preventable."
In Oxfordshire, I.M.P.S. trainers teach about 5,000 children every year. The aim is to teach children how to recognise potentially dangerous situations and prevent injuries. The I.M.P.S. programme also equips children with first aid and resuscitation skills.
Lynn added: "It's amazing how receptive children are and how much they can do in difficult situations. Through the I.M.P.S. programme we are able to equip children with the necessary information to manage their own risk and to teach them the skills to assist if an injury does occur.
"The Horton General Hospital has been working with us for ten years and we are really grateful for its support. During that time we have taught over 8,000 children at the Horton. We teach life skills that everyone should have and the hospital's involvement is a big help."
The Injury Minimization Programme for Schools is a national organisation, first established in Oxford. It is Chaired by Professor Keith Willett, Professor of Trauma at the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust. He said: "This is a tremendous Oxfordshire-wide achievement for the health and education of young people. It is an especially proud day for the Horton General Hospital."
For more information about the planned celebrations, contact:
Contact: Media and Communications Unit
Contact Details: 01865 231471