Pediatric Behavioral Emergencies: Autism (ASD) (v2)

Course overview

Responding to a child who is experiencing some sort of behavioral problem due to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) or pervasive developmental disorders (PDD) most likely will not be a common occurrence, but treating related medical problems or trauma on a child will be. One out of 150 children born today will have some form of autism. Its important that all EMS responders are familiar with neurological emergencies, understand the complexity of these illnesses, and can recognize the signs and symptoms of ASD and PDD. Assessment and treatment techniques need to be modified to deliver successful and appropriate care. Many of these techniques can be utilized with all children or with others that are experiencing a behavioral emergency. Firefighter/paramedic Ralph Carrasquillo, from San Diego Fire, shares with us some tips on communicating with these patients and how a responder can be more successful with their assessments and treatments. Ralph not only teaches this topic to other responders, but also is the parent of an autistic child. He reminds us that parents can be your most valuable resource on scene.