Specialized tools help firefighters better assist residents who are autistic or neurodivergent 

RICHMOND HILL – Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services (RHFES) has received eight First Responder Sensory Support Kits to help firefighters better meet the needs of residents who are autistic or neurodivergent. 

Donated by North City Insurance Brokers through the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council, the kits include noise-reducing earmuffs, sunglasses, fidget tools and simple communication aids. The specialized resources help reduce stress, support communication and create a calmer environment for individuals who are autistic, neurodivergent or who may experience sensory overload during emergencies, making interactions with first responders more comfortable. 

The donation is part of a province-wide initiative providing sensory support kits to fire departments across Ontario. The program aims to help first responders deliver more inclusive and compassionate service while increasing awareness and understanding of sensory sensitivities in communities. 

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services will incorporate the kits into firefighter training before deploying them on frontline apparatus across the city. 

Quotes 

"Every resident deserves the opportunity to feel included, understood and supported in our community, especially during emergencies. These sensory support kits will help residents with autism or who are neurodivergent feel more comfortable during what can be a stressful experience. We are grateful to North City Insurance Brokers and the Fire Marshal's Public Fire Safety Council for their generous support." 

– Mayor David West 

"Our firefighters often meet people during some of the most stressful moments of their lives. For individuals with sensory sensitivities, those situations can be even more challenging. These kits provide practical tools to help reduce stress, support communication and build trust, allowing our crews to better assist residents when they need us most." 

– Fire Chief Tom Raeburn 

Quick Facts 

• The sensory support kits are part of a partnership between the Fire Marshal’s Public Fire Safety Council (FMPFSC) and Autism Canada aimed at helping first responders better support autistic and neurodivergent individuals during emergency situations.
• Each kit contains items such as noise-reducing earmuffs, sunglasses, fidget tools and communication aids designed to help firefighters better support residents with sensory sensitivities.
• All items are packed in a water-resistant case and stored on frontline apparatus for quick access when needed.
• Through the program, Fire departments can purchase sensory support kits through the FMPFSC. For every kit sold, the FMPFSC donates $5 to Autism Canada to support awareness, education and resources for autistic individuals and their families.