A growing number of states are requiring that first responders implement autism-recognition instruction for employees, prompted by an increasing awareness of dealing with patients with the neurological disorder.
Take the time to make sure that your department is ready for these types of situations. Adapted from Doctors, Dentists, EMTs, hospitals, Firefighters and autism...
Tip 1: Autistic people will most likely be frightened of an ambulance because the vast majority of personnel typically show up at once. Be aware that for the autistic individual, there is a low threshold for sensory input.
Tip 2: When gathering patient history with a patient who has autism spectrum disorder, be sure to use a quiet voice. Also, a rhythmic -- somewhat robotic tone -- is soothing to autistic people since they are very much heightened to repetition. Minimize excitement in your voice and project confidence.
Tip 3: When asking what is wrong, point to the different body parts. This allows the autistic person to respond visually. When autistic people get really upset and worried, they can literally forget words or forget what is wrong with them.
Tip 4: When using medical equipment, demonstrate on your partner first. For example, take your fellow EMT’s blood pressure or listen to their lung sounds. This verifies that many of the EMS tools will not hurt them.
Tip 5: When starting an IV, be aware that the antecubital fossa is a commonly used site and most likely has been used a number of times previously. Also, because of the tendency to move their arm and irritate the IV site, a lower IV site is recommended.
Tip 6: When arriving at the hospital, recommend that a family member and/or a psychologist remain with the autistic person. It will make them feel safer.
Tip 7: Sirens can be overwhelming to an autistic person’s senses. Use them judiciously.
Tip 8: When discussing medical procedures with autistic patients, use soft words to describe techniques. For example:
- Blood Pressure Cuff: Give your arm a hug
- Stretcher: Bed with wheels
- Anesthesia: Sleepy Medicine
Additional Resources:
- Autism & Emergency Preparedness: Tips and Information for Emergency Shelter Staff and Trainers
http://www.autismriskmanagement.com/pdf/DisasterPrepairedness.pdf - Doctors, Dentists, EMT, hospitals, Firefighters and autism...
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