On Wednesday, Panther Valley Elementary students visited the park, school, bus stop and their own homes - without leaving the school gymnasium.

Though they may not have realized it, they also learned to avoid some of the most common causes of pediatric medical trauma, thanks to the Lehigh Valley Health Network Safety Town program. The event was sponsored by the school’s PTO.

“We’ve identified the top mechanisms of pediatric trauma, and we educate children on those different mechanisms. We take a child through a day in their life,” said Bill McQuilken, LVHN trauma prevention coordinator.

The Safety Town program brings into the school examples of situations where students can face real life hazards. They discuss car seat and seat belt safety in the “home” portion. At a simulated bus stop they talk about bus stop safety. In “school,” they learn about 911. Staying safe near the street and on their bikes, and learning to be cautious around strangers are covered in the “park” section. Back at home, they discussed burn safety and staying safe around snowblowers and while sledding.

Each of the stations was staffed by volunteers. Some came from the PTO, while others are members of the National Honor Society at Panther Valley Junior-Senior High School. Having the NHS students teach the lessons made the message more impactful.

“They’re just awesome and we’re really grateful to have their support,” said Amber Zuber, president of the Panther Valley Elementary PTO.

The high school students said the young students showed interest, asked good questions, and learned valuable skills.

“The community is safer because the kids are learning to do the correct things. It’s a good thing that they’re doing,” said Junior Trey McAndrew.

NHS has helped with different programs at the school, and the high school students also get something out of helping their younger peers.

“It’s a good opportunity, being a role model for them, and showing them they can be like us when they get to high school,” said Hannah Kane, a junior.

McQuilken has been taking Safety Town to schools for LVHN sine 2006, reaching over 60,000 children in pre-K through third grade. He continues to be motivated by stories like one he heard from Allentown several years ago. An 18-year-old who saved his family from a fire credited lessons he had learned about fire safety in his elementary school.

“We don’t know where or when our education will come into play in a child’s life, but somewhere down the road they might remember,” McQuilken said.

Panther Valley plans to continue holding the program for children in kindergarten and second grade in the coming years.

Schools can contact McQuilken at william_d.mcquilken@lvhn.org for more information.