First responders offer tips to keep those with special needs safe
On Feb. 23, ASK Autism hosted a special event at the Coshocton County Career Center. Four first responders shared their best advice for keeping children and those with special needs safe. People with special needs have unique challenges in keeping them safe in emergencies.
Captain Garrison Bryant with the Coshocton County Sheriff’s Office shared that many of the road deputies have had special training in helping people with special needs and that another class is scheduled soon for all new hires. He also said that drivers who have people with communication difficulties in their car can register their license plates to show that information. The form is available at www.ood.ohio.gov. Search for license plates and have the form signed by a doctor before submitting.
For people in Coshocton County, a form is available on the sheriff’s office website called special needs. Bryant urges everyone who has someone with special needs to fill out this form and send back to the sheriff’s office. “Give us as much information as possible. The information will pop to the 911 dispatcher when 911 is called from your home and the dispatcher can share that information with first responders.”
The form is simple to fill out and does not need a doctor signature. It asks for the person’s name, where their bedroom is in the house and their disability. There is plenty of space to add any information that may be helpful for first responders, such as the child’s nickname and where they may hide when they are scared. Also, if you need to have several locks on your doors to keep your child inside, please note that on the form and first responders will plan to break the door in case of fire or medical emergency.
Bryant also advised that having stickers on your car or seatbelt covers that state the person has special needs are a very good idea. “Anything to help us be aware of special needs an occupant may have would be great.” Seat belt covers and stickers can be ordered online.
If your child is a runner or tends to wander off, Bryant said having a recent picture and a description of the child at all times can help first responders in their search. “And never be embarrassed to call us for help. The sooner we start the search, the better. If you have a bunch of people looking before you call us, our K-9’s can’t find the trail. Call us first.”
The sheriff’s office also offers Project Lifesaver. A bracelet or anklet can be put on anyone who may wander off and the office can track the device.
Coshocton Fire Chief Rusty Dreher and Fire Prevention Officer Brent Endsley shared tips for keeping your children safe from fires. Dreher said, “I can’t stress this enough – always have working smoke detectors in your home. Make sure there is one on every floor and change the batteries when you change your clocks, twice a year.” He also said that having seat belt covers would be very helpful if the fire department is called to the scene of an accident.
Endsley said that different types of smoke detectors are available for those with sensitive hearing where the sound may be extremely painful. There are detectors available that parents can record their voice telling children to get up. “I’ve seen studies that show kids react quicker to their parents’ voices than to the smoke detector.”
Dreher and Endsley advise to make an escape plan from every room in your home and practice it with your children. If possible, plan two ways out of each room and have a place to meet once you are outside. “Teach your children to never go back in the house once they are out – not for a pet, not for anything. Tell them we will look for their pet when we get there,” Endsley said.
Closing bedroom doors is also an important safety tip. “It’s amazing. The difference in the damage between a room with an open door and one that had a closed door. Teach your children to touch the door and if it is hot, don’t open the door,” Endsley said. Remind them to “get low and go.”
EMS Director Todd Shroyer also agreed that the seat belt covers are a great idea. He also recommended using medical bracelets. “You can buy bracelets now that say the person has autism and that would be very helpful. As emergency responders, we are trained to look for a medical bracelet or necklace as soon as we start evaluating the person.”
Because people with autism often have little fear, Shroyer recommends being very careful near water and to secure all large items in your home. “It’s surprising what kids will use to climb on and if you don’t have things secure, a bad injury could result. Use the brackets that come with appliances and large furniture and make them safe.”
Shroyer also advised that when you fill out emergencies numbers for your child, you use a number other than yours. “If there is an accident and we call the emergency number, it won’t help your child or us if the number is yours. Put another family member or friend that doesn’t often ride with you.”
Because children with autism sometimes have pica (trying to eat non-edible things), Shroyer advises parents to learn CPR and first aid and to keep the poison control number handy. It is 1-800-222-1212.
Each department encourages families to help their children get to know first responders so they won’t be as scared in an emergency. The departments are very open to phone calls and questions from the community. Purchase seat belt covers, fill out the information form for 911 and plan/practice escape routes from your home.
Category: People & Places