For Immediate Release
DPHHS Equips Licensed EMS Agencies Statewide with Specialized Tools to Support Children with Autism
Contact:
- DPHHS: Jon Ebelt, Communications Director, (406) 444-0936, (406) 461-3757, jebelt@mt.gov
HELENA, MT — Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton today announced the successful distribution of 472 Carter Kits to every licensed EMS agency across the state.
This milestone ensures that all Montana ambulance services and Quick Response Units (QRUs) licensed to provide prehospital medical care are now equipped with specialized tools to support children with autism and other sensory processing needs during emergencies.
“Providing these kits to every licensed agency ensures that no matter where a family is in Montana, our first responders have the resources to provide specialized, compassionate care,” Dir. Brereton said. “This initiative is a testament to the strong partnership between the state and our local EMS providers as we work together to support the unique needs of every patient.”
Carter Kits are sensory bags containing clinically approved items — such as noise-canceling earmuffs, weighted blankets, non-verbal cue-cards, fidget toys, and sunglasses — designed to help first responders calm and focus children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or those experiencing sensory overload during traumatic events. The kits are inspired by Carter, a young Michigan boy with autism.
“We are excited to have these options to help reduce the stress and anxiety that surround a medical emergency,” said Koren Bloom, a paramedic and Coordinator for Safe Kids Yellowstone County at American Medical Response (AMR) Billings. “Children with special needs, including autism, can easily be overwhelmed by the chaos of an emergency. These tools allow us to make those encounters much less stressful and traumatic for our patients.”
Funding for the Carter Kits was provided by the DPHHS Children's Special Health Services (CSHS) program, which provides financial assistance and support for Montana children with special health care needs and chronic conditions. The Department’s Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program spearheaded the $41,000 statewide rollout.
Four Carter Kit specialized instructors from the Billings area will lead local education on ASD awareness and kit usage. This training equips emergency personnel with practical communication strategies to reduce distress for children and families, while also fostering a statewide network of knowledgeable professionals.
Furthering this mission, Simulation in Motion - Montana (SIM-MT) has integrated Carter Kits into its pediatric simulation training. This allows EMS providers to practice using the sensory tools in realistic, high-pressure scenarios, particularly those involving children with autism. This hands-on approach allows EMS providers to practice real-world applications, improving outcomes during critical moments.
“These kits are invaluable for focusing a hypersensitive patient who is overwhelmed by the pre-hospital environment,” said Lee Roberts, Clinical Partnerships Lead for SIM-MT. “We’ve seen firsthand how they help clinicians provide better care in emergency rooms and in the field.”
The EMSC program encourages all emergency response agencies to actively utilize these resources and participate in ongoing training.
For more information on Carter Kits or the EMSC program, please visit the EMSC webpage or contact Kelly Little, EMSC Program Manager, at 406-444-0901 or kelly.little@mt.gov.
Tags: Public Health, News and Families and Children