Golisano Children’s Hospital proudly announced its certification as an Autism Center™ by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) https://ibcces.org/, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to exceptional care for all patients, regardless of their unique needs. This innovative vehicle aims to improve emergency care experiences by focusing on comfort and minimizing sensory overload, ensuring every child receives the compassion and support they need during critical times.
Introducing the Sensory-Friendly Ambulance
Alongside this certification, Golisano Children’s Hospital introduced a revolutionary, sensory-friendly, autism-designated ambulance. They partnered with Frazer Ltd., a leading manufacturer and partner of the Emergency Transportation Association (ETA) with extensive experience in custom emergency vehicle design, to bring this innovative concept to life.
Designing for Sensory Needs
For many children, especially those on the autism spectrum, traditional ambulances can be overwhelming due to a combination of factors:
- Loud sirens blaring at high decibel levels
- Bright, flashing lights that can trigger sensory sensitivities
- Unfamiliar and potentially frightening environments
Recognizing this, the Frazer Ltd. team, in collaboration with Golisano Children’s Hospital, focused on creating a vehicle specifically tailored to these children’s sensory needs.
Calming Features for Comfort
The ambulance incorporates various calming elements to create a more soothing and manageable experience, including:
- Reduced Noise Levels: hPower, a battery-operated power source, eliminates the need to idle the engine, significantly reducing noise levels within the ambulance.
- Soothing Ambiance: “Niki Lights,” delicate fairy lights adorning a cloud-painted ceiling, create a calming and familiar atmosphere.
- Interactive Distractions: Dry-erase surfaces on the cabinets allow children to express themselves creatively, while a color-changing vertical bubble machine provides a mesmerizing distraction.
- Weighted Blankets: For added comfort and proprioceptive input, weighted blankets are available to promote feelings of security.
Leading the Way in Compassionate Care
With the launch of this sensory-friendly ambulance, Golisano Children’s Hospital is leading the way in providing compassionate care tailored to every child’s unique needs. This innovative approach ensures a more positive and less stressful experience for children on the autism spectrum during medical emergencies.