CENTRE WELLINGTON – Last week, Centre Wellington Fire Rescue (CWFR) added a new toolkit to enhance the communications and response from first responders.
The Sensory Safety Kit is the latest piece of CWFR’s arsenal and it’s stocked full of items to establish safety and a line of communications with children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Fire prevention officer Chris Paluch said the kit was distributed by the Fire Marshalls Public Safety Council and Autism Canada.
Autism Canada said most individuals with autism experience difficulties with social interactions and communicating; individuals on the broad spectrum can exhibit a unique combination of symptoms and as a result each autistic individual must have individualized treatment.
“There is no standard ‘type’ or ‘typical’ person with an Autism Spectrum Disorder,” Autism Canada said.
The Sensory Safety Kit features sunglasses for harsh light, earmuffs for loud noises, fidget toys and even a fire-fighting teddy bear to be a companion through a potentially life-changing moment.
Paluch said keeping people safe and secure is one of the top priorities of CWFR and this kit broadens scope of how firefighters can safeguard Centre Wellington.
The kit also includes a non-verbal communication sheet which can be applied beyond the Autism Spectrum Disorder spectrum.
Paluch said communicating effectively with children can save lives and the Sensory Safety Kit provides the tools unsettled children may need to get the message across.
CWFR can use these tools to determine if there are family members in the home, how many might be injured and how the individual themselves might be feeling pain.
Sensory Safety Kits are installed on all rescue trucks and will be issued at fire calls and all medical calls.
Paluch also said making children feel safe and secure more effectively will reinforce the firefighters’ mental fortitude in high-stress situations.
