ThinkFirst 

Each year approximately 380,000 head and spinal cord injuries occur in the United States; one-third to persons age 15 to 24. In Missouri alone, 7,000 of these injuries will occur with 1,550 of them claiming victims age 15 to 24.

ThinkFirst is an educational program dedicated to preventing head and spinal cord injuries among teens. Sponsored by Saint Francis Medical Center, ThinkFirst is a fast-paced seminar presented to small and large student-body audiences at junior highs and high schools throughout Southeast Missouri.

Featuring speakers who sustained head and spinal cord injuries, the ThinkFirst presentation also includes a high-impact video and a demonstration by paramedics experienced in trauma management. Emphasis is on:
     • Seat belt use and safe driving behavior
     • Helmet use
     • Diving safety
     • Never drinking and driving/participating in sports
     • Proper bystander behavior

Schools interested in a ThinkFirst presentation should call Robert Grayhek, Saint Francis' trauma services manager, at 573-331-5236 or e-mail rgrayhek@sfmc.net.