Goshen Township Fire and EMS is raising money to put autism sensory kits on every emergency response vehicle in Clermont County, filling what organizers describe as a long-overdue need.
Each kit costs about $40 to assemble, so the county is hoping to raise $4,000 to cover 100 fire and EMS vehicles. Organizer Travis Ellen, lieutenant of EMS training at Goshen Township Fire, said the kits will greatly help individuals on the autism spectrum during moments of crisis. “I thought we were lacking in this area,” Ellen said. “I’ve made quite a few runs on children with autism or a parent who is ill who has an autistic child and you feel helpless, you feel like there’s nothing you can do, and that’s a terrible feeling. I can’t stand it.”
The kits will be packed with items meant to connect the user with their senses and provide a moment of calm. Items like fidget spinners, floam, headphones, a Rubik's Cube and more will be found in the box.