ALTO, Mich. — Inside two Alto-Bowne Township Fire Department trucks, they've got a game-changer for treating patients on the autism spectrum.
Firefighter Lauren Rinevelt helped bring special backpacks to the department that will keep patients on the spectrum calm while first responders can work emergency scenes.
"That's what the fire service is," said Rinevelt. "It's a service. So if we could serve a bigger spectrum of patients, that's what's important to me."
Each backpack comes with a weighted blanket and sensory fidget toys, all things that can help keep patients on the spectrum calm during a stressful time.
"If you need something to fidget with while you talk, we have those options, or if you want to stay away from the sensory-related things," said Rinevelt. "We have weighted blankets, which can be kind of soothing. They can block out those neuro blockers that are overstimulating."
Rinevelt recently led a class for her fellow firefighters on how they can better treat those with sensory sensitivity.
"We talked about, you know, not barging into their homes and turning on all their lights and making a ton of racket," said Rinevelt. "Obviously, our trucks are very loud. They have a lot of lights, it could cause a lot of commotion internally for the patient."
For Rinevelt, she said she's thankful her department is going the extra mile.
"It's so important that we ask those questions," said Rinevelt. "The spectrum is getting bigger every day, we're diagnosing autism easier these days, are recognizing it. So the better that we can serve our community."
After calls, patients are able to keep the backpacks along with their contents. Rinevelt also said they'll purchase more as needed.
Autism Speaks has resources for how first responders should handle patients on the spectrum, including hospital workers and those in the judicial system.
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