Local first responders and North Crawford Playhouse actors partnered to stage an accident response simulation at North Crawford High School on Oct. 1, giving emergency crews an opportunity to train and students a powerful reminder of the risks of distracted driving.
The simulation, commonly called a “mock crash,” depicted four students driving home from their homecoming game. Distracted by videos shared on a cellphone, the driver crossed the center line and struck an oncoming vehicle. Prerecorded dialogue, sound effects, and music established the scenario before emergency crews staged nearby responded to the crash.
North Crawford Playhouse students rehearsed the scene, developed highly realistic injury makeup and delivered a harrowing portrayal of the crash’s aftermath. First responders treated the scene as they would an actual emergency, using the Jaws of Life, providing medical care, moving patients onto stretchers and “arresting” the distracted driver. Following their rehearsed scene, the student actors continued to improvise during a 40-minute interaction with police and emergency crews.
Many students and staff members who watched the simulation described it as moving and emotionally impactful.
“We know that risky driving behaviors increase around the Homecoming season,” said North Crawford Playhouse director Brandon Bankes “And we want to ensure every student takes seriously their responsibility to themselves and others when driving. The risks are real, and I think this presentation was an excellent reminder for our students.”
Participating agencies included the Gays Mills Fire Department, Soldiers Grove Fire Department, Ocooch Mountain Rescue Squad, North Crawford Rescue Squad, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office Crawford County Coroner Joe Morovitz, and Crawford County Dispatch, among others. Two crashed vehicles were provided by J&J Salvage.
Jeannette McCormick of the Soldiers Grove Fire Department coordinated logistical planning for the event. Brandon Bankes and Robert Ghormley prepared students for their roles and prepared the event space.
Student performers included Abigail Jorgensen, Dalton Ewing, Chloe Kvigne, John Powell, Lena Schmidt, Jameson Adkins, Kayla Bankes, Camden Unseth, Dmitri Staum and Aaron Maly.
The North Crawford School District thanked the participating agencies and first responders for their time, expertise and commitment to student safety during this impactful event.