Alfred trauma specialists join Easter safety campaign

Last year, 32 people were rushed to The Alfred after they sustained severe injuries in major trauma accidents over the Easter break. That was 10 more than the year before.

This year, Director of Trauma Services Professor Mark Fitzgerald is hoping that number will reduce rather than grow.

“We want people to be spending time with their friends and family over Easter, not spending time with us in Emergency or ICU,” Professor Fitzgerald said.

“Injuries sustained in a major accident on the roads can last a lifetime. If you’re planning a trip this long weekend or even just staying local, take extra care on the roads and consider the consequences – taking a risk is not worth a lifetime of pain for you or your loved ones.”

Professor Fitzgerald and The Alfred ICU nurse Rachel Gillon have joined RACV’s latest road safety campaign, 5 Second Safety, launched last week.

The campaign asks Victorians “what are you going to do?” to bring down the road toll, and features road trauma victims, families, paramedics and trauma specialists.

In the video, Professor Fitzgerald says, “Over Easter I will be at The Alfred resuscitating road trauma patients", while Rachel says, “I nurse your friends and family after they’re critically injured in road trauma.” 

This Easter, be safe on the roads and ask yourself, “what am I going to do?” 

Watch Mark's video: