Autism and the Fire Service

Recently, we've run several calls involving a patient with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). These calls have been high stress as a lot of us simply do not know how to recognize this disorder and even if we can recognize it, we are not trained or familiar with techniques used to calm or deal with the patient. It's frustrating.

In hopes of providing better service, I decided to do a little research on my own so that my crew and I can be better informed about ASD. There is an incredible amount of information out there including a good article in Fire Engineering this month that gives a brief overview of this condition.

Below are some simple facts and links that may help you recognize and / treat a patient with this condition.

Quick Facts for Fire Fighters

• Individuals with autism can't be identified by appearance. They look the same as anyone else.
  They're identified by their behavior.
• Some individuals with autism do not have a normal range of sensations and may not feel the cold, heat, or pain in a typical manner. In fact they may fail to acknowledge pain in spite of significant pathology being present. They may show an unusual pain response that could include laughter, humming, singing and removing of clothing.
• Speak in short clear phrases “Get in.” “Sit Down.” “Wait here.” An individual with autism may take longer to respond to directives, and that can be because they don't understand what's being demanded of them, or even just because they're scared, they may not be able to process the language and understand a directive when fearful.
• When restraint is necessary, be aware that many individuals with autism have a poorly developed upper trunk area. Positional asphyxiation could occur if steps are not taken to prevent it: frequent change of position, not keeping them face down. Individuals with autism may
  continue to resist restraint.
• Adults with autism are just as likely to hide, like children, in a fire situation. Closets, under bed and behind furniture checks need to be done during search and rescue.
• These individuals are a bolt risk after rescue. Firefighter must stay with the individual with autism

Autism Safety Project     ASD Foundation    

Hope this helps.