About 800 Allen County students drew eerily quiet Wednesday when a human dummy flew from the rotating cab of a pickup truck.
The demonstration — pulled off with a truck cab mounted on a trailer — was among the most vivid, and hopefully most memorable, of many lessons learned by the youngsters who attended Fun Safety Day at the Allen County Critical Response Center, 410 N. State St.
Kindergarteners through third-graders from Iola, Moran and Humboldt schools participated in the event sponsored by emergency responders.
Representatives from law enforcement, fire and ambulance services, even an air ambulance helicopter from Eagle Med in Chanute, were there.
A hands-on exploration of emergency equipment helped keep the kids focused on lessons that could save their lives.
The purpose of the flying dummy, used by Highway Patrol Trooper Shawn Hines, was to prove why drivers and young passengers should always wear their seat belts and shoulder harnesses.
After making his point, Hines told the children, “Listen to your mom and dad when they tell you to use your seat belt, in the back seat as well as the front.”
ERIC B’HYMER, with Iola’s ambulance service, explained uses of various parts of an ambulance and even — very carefully — wrapped a small tourniquet around one kindergartner’s arm.
Shane Smith, Moran police officer, fielded questions about what he did and explained that police officers were eager to help with problems, as well as enforce laws.
Undersheriff Bryan Murphy got the typical question that comes from youngsters who often view television shows and movies steeped in violence.
“No, I’ve never shot anyone,” he answered, adding that the use of a firearm was a last resort. Kids often don’t understand the finality of death, Murphy said later.
Richie Reissig, a flight paramedic, allowed two students at a time to sit in the Eagle Med helicopter as he explained where the crew is positioned when transporting patients.
Darrel Baughn, an Iola electrical worker, demonstrated — with charged wiring and a probe — the danger of going near electric lines, especially downed lines.
Iola High School drama students encouraged energy conservation at home with a presentation about “energy bandits.”
IOLA POLICE Officer Mike Ford and Angie Murphy, 911 dispatch director, arranged the event, blessed by clear skies and balmy temperatures.
“It couldn’t have been any better,” said Ford, who in previous years was involved in organizing similar exercises in Riverside Park during spring break.
“At the park we couldn’t guarantee an audience and the weather often isn’t good for outdoor activities during March,” he said.
Lunch was eaten in shifts, with so many young mouths to feed.
Dan Oswalt of the Iola Sonic provided hot-dogs. Money for other food and bottled water came from a $25,000 grant Iola received from the Kansas Energy Office to participate in the Take Charge Challenge, with the city accumulating points for its role in the safety program.
