(KNSI) – First responders in several central and western Minnesota communities have a new tool to help people with autism during stressful emergencies.
CentraCare
According to a post from CentraCare and Bit of Grace, every ambulance serving Paynesville, Monticello, Willmar, Redwood Falls, Long Prairie, and Benson will carry a sensory emergency kit.
From communication tools to sensory items, the kits give emergency medical service teams additional resources to help someone who may be feeling overwhelmed or overstimulated.
The nonprofit assembles the kits to create a calm, safe, and compassionate environment for people with autism, sensory sensitivities, and other communication challenges. In May, Bit of Grace also gave kits to ambulance crews in Melrose and Sauk Centre.
With the latest additions, the organization has placed more than 500 sensory kits in the hands of first responders.
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