EMERGENCIES AND INDIVIDUALS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS : TEN TIPS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS cont.

3. TOUCH, SOUND, LIGHT OR SUDDEN MOVEMENTS CAN TRIGGER A PANIC

Some individuals are sensitive to lights, sounds, smells and movement of the environment and respond with panic. Even when EMTs and paramedics are called to a home where the individual is familiar and comfortable, the individual may panic. To decrease a possible panic response, move slowly and observe. Some individuals will react with a fight, flight or freeze response when overwhelming stimulation feels painful

FIRST RESPONDER TIP

Approaching the individual suddenly, touching them without warning or approaching them with loud verbal commands may destabilize or jar them. This may cause them to flee or become aggressive. Once the scene is secured, approach the individual calmly and if possible, keep a distance. Try to eliminate sounds and lights, such as radio chatter and lights from your vehicle. If you need to touch the individual, explain what you will do first, so they understand and can anticipate your next move.

4. UNAWARE OF THE DANGER, THEY MAY RUN BACK INTO A BURNING HOME

There is a lot of activity during a house fire. In addition to smoke and fire, the sounds of fire truck engines, gushing water and people crying can be confusing. Bright flashing lights can be upsetting.

Individuals with sensory conditions may hide under a bed or in a closet, making it difficult for firefighters to find and save them. Once rescued from the home, they may find the chaos of the fire scene unbearable. As a result, paramedics and EMT's must be aware that even if the individual is hurt, they may still run back into their burning home because it is comfortable and familiar to them. In a panic, they seek to avoid stimulation and get back to their comfort zone. Other reasons they may run back

in their home (even if it is burning) is to resume an activity they were doing, to save a pet or to help firefighters.

Teaching fire safety and becoming familiar with the sounds of the alarms and sirens will help prepare the individual for a fire emergency. Family practice drills will help everyone in the home be prepared about what to do in a fire.

FIRST RESPONDER TIP

Secure the child or adult once they are removed from the burning building. Try to place them in a calm, non-stimulating place away from the sights and sounds of fire rescue. Provide headphones and/or sunglasses to decrease stimulation. If possible, pair them with a responsible and trusting adult who understands their needs and can calm them and help them understand the situation.

5. INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE HYPER-SENSITIVE MAY RUN

First responders encounter many individuals who have a sensory challenge that makes it very difficult for them to regulate their sensory systems. They are hypersensitive and easily overwhelmed. These individuals are often comfortable and better able to focus while wearing headphones and sunglasses to decrease light and noise.

Hypersensitive individuals are triggered by too much information coming at them at once, causing them to overreact. For them, sounds are louder, lights are brighter and touch is more intense, and sometimes painful. Hypersensitive responses can be misinterpreted as a mental health crisis when it’s not. Instead, this over-reaction indicates the need for less stimulation so that they can function. 

FIRST RESPONDER TIP

Decrease stimulation by moving them away from onlookers, barking dogs, sirens, flashing lights, and radio chatter. Their lack of eye-contact, use of headphones or sunglasses is not a sign of disrespect. Allow them to wear these items during your encounter to decrease environmental stimulation and help them focus on your com

mands and questions. EMTs and paramedics treating an individual after an accident or illness can ask the individual (or parents) about what interests them. If the situation allows, try to get to know the person. Talk with them about their interests (a movie, athlete, space, cars, video game), so they begin to feel connected, calm and engaged with the professionals trying to help them. By focusing on their topics of interest, they may be distracted from overwhelming stimulation and gain a sense of control.

6. INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE HYPO-SENSITIVE CAN SAY THEY ARE 'FINE', WHEN THEY ARE SEVERELY HURT

Some individuals with a sensory challenge can be hyposensitive. As a result, they under-react as their sensory system shuts down due to too much information coming at them all at once. Their reaction is often misunderstood as indifference, avoidance, or uncaring. 

First responders should be mindful that during a crisis, fire, or accident, a hyposensitive individual may not tell you they are sick, hurt, burned, cut or in pain. They are vulnerable because they are unable to respond to fear, pain or danger. They may not moan, cry or appear in pain, even though they are bleeding or have an obvious burn or broken limb.

FIRST RESPONDER TIP

When called to a home or site of an accident, EMTs and paramedics should investigate beyond what the individual tells them. They may be bleeding, sick, hurt, or significantly burned, but when asked, say they feel “fine”. Observe carefully. Look at their stomach, back, feet and head area, even if they are not complaining.

7. STIMMING IS NOT A SIGN OF DISRESPECT OR INTOXICATION

Stimming is a repetitive behavior that individuals engage in to calm themselves. Stimming behaviors can include, but are not