Always take care out there

Rain or shine, summer's undeniably arrived in the Flathead. And with its arrival comes celebrations of all sorts, including the Fourth of July, family reunions and vacations. With school out, kids are out and about, too.

Although most of us try to be cautious behind the wheel, it's inevitable that accidents will occur. Putting best practices in place ahead of time can be the ounce of prevention that's worth a pound of cure.

In May, the Marion School District, Marion Fire Department and neighboring communities participated in the simulation of such an accident on U.S. 2 near the border between Flathead and Lincoln counties.

Picture a school bus overturned in the pouring rain one morning while on its route, and 40 people injured or killed, and you have an idea of what the mock disaster looked like to passers-by.

From full patient triage to panicked parents arriving on the site, those doing the role-playing were cast in a very realistic scenario.

Marcia Sheffels, Flathead County superintendent of schools, was also on hand to witness the practice drill.

She said it was an excellent learning tool and credits all who worked with such commitment under the direction of assistant Fire Chief Jeff Hardgrove. Close to 40 emergency personnel from area fire departments, the Highway Patrol and the Sheriff's Office were on hand.

"The Fire Department let our office know they were staging the event and invited us to attend. We really appreciated the opportunity to be involved."

Credit also goes to all the kids who were so willing and enthusiastic about participating, Sheffels said.

"They had fun but it was definitely an education for everyone," she said.

"The situation reflected reality, the kind of injuries that happen and how to handle yourself in that kind of situation."

You never know when you might be involved directly or indirectly in an emergency situation. Joani Young's 11-year-old grandson had just crossed U.S. 2 at Kila one afternoon in May to get a treat at the convenience store. He was waiting to cross back while his grandpa watched from his shop across the road when a tragic motorcycle accident occurred right in front of him.

Young knows how traumatized her grandson was by the situation, but fortunately a compassionate woman who was also a witness rushed to the boy's side and stayed with him until his grandpa could get to him.

"Our family's hearts and prayers go out to those involved in the accident and their families," wrote Young.

"We again thank all our law enforcement, firefighters, ambulance and volunteers who do so much to help and protect all of us. I pray we all slow down, be more careful, and make more of an effort to make their job less difficult."

This weekend, as we celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks, barbecues and picnics, promise yourself, your friends and families, and your communities that you'll drive safely and sober; and remember to watch out for the other guy.