Members of the Project EDWARD team were in Cardiff recently to produce a 60-minute question and answer session for medical students on their role in the Safe System.
BBC presenter Jason Mohammad chaired the event at the University of Cardiff Medical School, alongside a panel of emergency service representatives.
On the panel were:
- Kirsty Williams (former Welsh Government education minister and now one of four new South Wales Fire Commissioners)
- Dean Loader (assistant chief officer, South Wales Fire & Rescue)
- Dr Beth Barton (consultant in pre-hospital emergency medicine)
- Det Insp Richie Jones (head of Serious Collision Investigation Unit, South Wales Police)
More than 300 medical students made up the audience, asking questions connected with the impacts of road death and trauma on the healthcare system and the efficacy of the various strategies to reduce road deaths, particularly for young adults.
Specific questions saw the panellists deal with topics including: post-crash response, graduated driver licensing, the value of 20mph speed limits, the need for a zero drink-drive limit, what the evidence says about shock tactics for young drivers and the ethics of reporting driver medical conditions.
The final question saw each panellist offering three words to describe their driving and to reflect on how these words might have changed since they passed their tests.
Kirsty Williams’ honest three-word answer (‘Inability to park’) was well received by the audience.
The session, funded by South Wales Fire and Rescue, formed part of a one-day conference on sustainability of healthcare organised for Cardiff’s cohort of second-year medical students.
James Luckhurst, Project EDWARD founder, said: “Full marks to our brilliant facilitator Jason Mohammad, who put so much into ensuring the energy and relevance of the occasion. The wisdom and eloquence of our panellists was remarkable as they shared their very real experiences of dealing with the aftermath of road trauma.
“It was inspiring to witness the energy and curiosity of the 300 medical students who formed such a lively audience. Here were young people committed to making a difference in public health outcomes and saving lives.
“As future public servants, they will undoubtedly shape the medical landscape with their innovative ideas and dedication. We applaud their eagerness to engage with the components of the Safe System, and to reflect on their own future role within it.
“Big thanks to South Wales Fire and Rescue for their support in delivering what everyone feels was a successful and worthwhile event. We hope it will prove a good template for similar discussions across the country in the coming months and years.”
Click here to watch a five-minute highlights video of the Cardiff event.
Click here to watch the entire event, including a conclusion and reflection from Dr Tim Johnson, deputy programme director at the University of Cardiff Medical School.
Comment on this story