ELMWOOD, Neb. (WOWT) – EMTs in Elmwood have two new “Carter Kits” designed to help care for patients on the autism spectrum during emergency situations.
The sensory bags contain weighted blankets, headphones and sensory toys meant to help patients calm down during medical emergencies.
“Especially if like their parent or guardian’s not there which they obviously know a lot more about their loved one than we do, but if they’re not there we need a sense of communication with these individuals,” said Jacob Blunt, a paramedic with Elmwood Rescue.
Elmwood Rescue bought the Carter Kits with money raised through fundraisers. Staff have been trained on how to properly use them.
According to the Carter Kits website, the kits are being used in 44 states. Elmwood is one of three cities in Nebraska using them.