Extreme Safety!

Moab, UT, 2004

Moab, Utah is a rural community of seasonal economic opportunities with a fluctuating population. Located 125 miles from the nearest Level II trauma center, the community of 7,500 is inundated each spring and fall with hundreds of thousands of world-wide visitors eager to explore the rugged landscape of its surrounding public lands. This heavy influx of human traffic strains Moab's health care system as outdoor enthusiasts often find themselves in remote locations in predicaments with heat exhaustion, dehydration and a variety of broken bones and other traumas. Closer to town, there are highway accidents and the constant threat of hazardous materials spills. Moab's relative isolation, rugged geography and adventure-oriented economy combine to create a unique and challenging environment for responding to accidents and treating injuries.

KZMU-FM, Sageland Media and Four Corners Community Behavioral Health collaborated to profile Grand County Search and Rescue, Grand County Emergency Medical Services, Allen Memorial Hospital and St. Mary's Careflight, Volunteer Fire Department, CERT, TIPS and the Southeastern Utah Department of Health to create programs to heighten community and visitor awareness regarding safety issues. Since an aware community is a safer community, Extreme Safety! sought to educate people about the risks and potential outcomes of venturing into nature in order to make the adventure safe and enjoyable.

Working with the Voices of Youth teen radio project, KZMU produced eight one-hour radio shows and 14 PSAs featuring each of the aforementioned subjects. Each show included a pre-produced radio documentary, live call-in and guest experts. Outreach consisted of a Community Preparedness BBQ, an on-the-street-at-the-trailhead "safety first" campaign and printed material distributed to area businesses. Sageland Media produced two short documentaries about volunteer emergency agencies for broadcast on community television, reaching additional community members and visitors.

Awards:

KZMU Round Four

$750 for 200 Extreme Safety posters
— Moab Area Travel Council

Web site funding
— Grand County Travel Council

Youth radio group invited to attend festival at no cost
— The Third Coast International Audio Festival (2005)

KZMU Round Three

$450 to bring the Utah Hispanic Dance Alliance to Teen Fair 2003
— Canyonlands Arts Council

$500 in-kind for lodging and food for Teen Fair 2003
— Hotel Off Center and Boomer's Supermarket