QAS INSIGHT | Summer 2017-18 edition

Schoolies Week 2017

A look at Schoolies through the eyes of a ‘first-timer’ – by ACP2 Jack Fleming from Runaway Bay Station. "When you think of Schoolies, you think of wild teenagers, underage drinking, loud music, fights, drama and a whole bunch of vomiting. The reality was a very well-managed affair, with only a few people getting a touch too rowdy and winding up in our care or in the custody of QPS. "The tent this year was smoothly run by QAS and Queensland Health hospital staff, with the Red Frogs walking plenty of sick schoolies back to their accommodation. QPS had a massive presence on the streets and SES members were part of our own roving CRASH crews. The coverage provided was exceptional, with many schoolies being looked after in the streets. "My biggest surprise was the comparable lack of work for our transport crews on the first night. However, we did have work walk to us when a girl, while texting on her phone, faceplanted the ground in front of the ambulance. After rolling over – abrasions and all – she continued to message her boyfriend. (Thankfully, she was fine.) "For the most part, Schoolies was a happy-go-lucky celebration, quite a bit different to our usual busy weekends, but an experience I would repeat if given the opportunity!"

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Background ■ Jack Fleming in action at Schoolies Week 2017.

Summer 2017–18