April is Autism Spectrum Disorder Awareness Month, and the Midland Fire Department and City of Midland Public Safety Communications Center have teamed up with MARC to implement several programs over the past year to improve the care and identification of patients with ASD.
ASD is the fastest growing disability in America, affecting one in every 68 children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Members of the Midland Fire Department receive an educational class on ASD, focusing on symptoms and recognition, safety and communciation tips, ways to de-escalate tense atmospheres and behaviors, and how to treat an injured ASD patient.
The Midland Fire Department, City of Midland Public Safety Communications Center and MARC also started an ASD registry last April. If a 911 call is received from a registered client, special information is given to responding units.
MARC also dispenses autism identification stickers to clients that can be placed on front windows of houses and on cars. These easily identifiable stickers alert emergency personnel of the possible presence of an individual with ASD.
Individuals who would like to notify emergency personnel of an autistic individuals in their household are encouraged to visit www.midlandtexas.gov to fill out an Autism Database Application Form.
###Media Contact: Fire Marshal David Hickman