In 2017, the Florida EMS for Children Program, in collaboration with University of Florida’s Pain Assessment and Management Initiative (PAMI), launched a model EMS and ED Distraction Toolkit program including a training course and dissemination of over 1,000 free distraction toolboxes across the state. This initiative was focused on distractions for painful and anxiety-provoking situations and included Florida PEDReady Communication Cards for nonverbal, special needs, and non-English speaking patients and families. The Communication Cards have emojis for medical terms along with English, Spanish and Creole word labels. Many Florida EMS agencies, like Alachua County Fire Rescue, have adapted the concept for their individual areas and populations. Communication cards are available by emailing pedready@jax.ufl.edu or by free download to IPADs or smartphones.

As the incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and sensory overload conditions have continued to rise, a need for a sensory comfort kit was revealed. Currently about 1 in 44 children are identified with ASD, according to CDC estimates. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) and Davie County Fire Rescue were some of the first agencies in the country to recognize this need, develop resources, and secure health care coalition grant funding for model sensory comfort kits. The goal is to create a safer and quieter environment in addition to developing a better rapport with patients and families in need. Watch a video containing information on the PBCFR Sensory Sensitivity Comfort Kit here. Read a news story about PBCFR’s Sensory Backpack and digital communication cards here.

Sensory Comfort Toolkit items include sound-reducing adjustable earmuffs, communication cards, fidget spinners, squeeze stress toys, push pop and other tactile sensory devices, and local educational brochures and materials. The kits can be in the form of a backpack or toolbox.

Lieutenant Ryan Woodward of Oklahoma City Fire Rescue recently gave a presentation on “Autism Interaction for First Responders” to the FL Association of EMS Medical Directors and Florida NAEMSP Chapter that explains the background behind the comfort kits and best practices in EMS response to patients with ASD.  Click here to access the recording.