Onslow County EMS vehicles adding sensory kits to help people on Autism Spectrum

JACKSONVILLE, N.C. (WNCT) — When working an EMS job, emergency employees have to be prepared for any and all scenarios they may encounter.

These workers are key in keeping people safe during emergencies and the Onslow County Emergency Services Department has a new method to comfort people on the Autism Spectrum during a time of need. ​

Every Onslow County EMS unit will have a Carter Kits Sensory Bag with various toys and items that are clinically proven to comfort people on the spectrum or children who feel overwhelmed due to a traumatic event.

“The purpose of the sensory kits is to provide those individuals mostly on the spectrum to have something to distract them while we provide emergency medical care,” EMS Division Head of Onslow County Stephanie Cain said. “Oftentimes, it will reduce their anxiety while they are getting treatment in what is often a stressful environment. “

It isn’t just toys included in the sensory kits but also other every day items that can help calm down people on the spectrum in a high-stress emergency situation.

“One of the things that was most interesting was the headset. Often individuals living with Autism disorder have a sensitivity to sounds, and EMS comes with a lot of sounds with the ambulance and sirens, so this will help to reduce that anxiety for those individuals,” Cain said. “Another one I wanna point out is the weighted blanket which can also help reduce anxiety!”

The kits will be implemented into each EMS vehicle in the county beginning next week.

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