Pseudo scare: Group orchestrates mock disaster, warns against driving under influence

Just after 3 p.m. Wednesday, people on the grassy knoll behind Foster Quad fell quiet. Laughing ceased, games were paused and Frisbees were put down.

Two white sedans had just collided, and emergency responders were already dragging victims out of the cars.

A group of 70 people stood by the crash site while the decibel of the audience’s noise level plummeted to zero.

The demonstration was a warning for all onlookers of what could happen if students engage in drinking and driving.

The crash simulation was part of an afternoon event put on by the Indiana Collegiate Emergency Medical Service group.

Club President Jennifer Kempfer, a senior majoring in biology and neuroscience, spearheaded the planning for the event.

An on-campus club with about 150 members, the group focuses on providing CPR and First Aid treatment at both community and campus events.

While many students are pre-med or health-field-related majors, all with an interest in victim response are welcome to join, Kempfer said.

“I was really drawn to the club because it’s more than just books and sitting,” Kempfer said. “We’re out here getting patient involvement and hands-on experience.”

Senior Julie Hartley, a public health major, and junior Gwendwr Meredith participated in the re-enactment.

“I was really excited to do the event because of the impact it could have on people,” Hartley said. “Growing up, everyone heard about drunk driving deaths, so I don’t think this topic is new to a lot of people, but the way we’re informing them about it is a lot more interactive than what most are used to.”

A wide variety of booths were on display at the event. Some of the more popular games included cornhole played while wearing beer goggles and a giant fishbowl filled with water at which students guessed the number of shots it contained.

The simulation was the first of its kind on campus in more than four years.
Since early September, the club has balanced planning Wednesday’s event with other events on campus.  

IC-EMS offers services at a variety of high profile campus events, including every Little 500 practice, IU Dance Marathon, the Timmy’s Race for Children and the Habitat for Humanity 5k Walk/Run.

Their participation extends beyond the boundaries of campus and includes Taste of Bloomington in the summer.

With Little 500 quickly approaching, junior Mike Grainda stressed the timing is not a coincidence.

“We wanted this to be a warning to students,” Grainda said. “The beer goggles and drunk driving simulator gave people a chance to see firsthand what could be. We want everyone to enjoy themselves but also to take caution.”