FF/Paramedic/ EMS training officer Oklahoma City Fire department Midwest City, Oklahoma
Autism Interactions for First Responders was created to bring awareness to what autism is, and what it isn't. The discussion revolves around what we can do in emergencies to make our interactions better for those living with Autism and their families/caregivers while handling emergency situations. It also gives direction for emergency services to support the public and their own personnel in dealing with the day-to-day challenges that can come with living with being on the spectrum, or being a caregiver. This training was created by and vetted by EMS providers, mental health professionals, and caregivers of those on the Autism Spectrum.
Learning Objectives:
Identify and approach properly an autistic patient or member of the public. The ability to de-escalate a given situation knowing that autistic patient's brains do not respond to normal interactions.
Better handle themselves for these situations, such as pre-planning for a known address in their district, and how to approach the patient and their caregiver.
Taking away the expectation of the medics that they will have control of the timeline and narrative of a call. We will get into the patient's world for a moment
Discuss the "sensory bags" that contain different object and whether these are a good idea for you and the patients in your community
