Fire department event uses innovative approach

Fire dispatcher Chelsea Stevens shows Kurtis and Kya Oosterveld cards used for communication during a sensory-friendly event held recently by the Tillsonburg Fire Department. The no-sirens, no-lights, no-crowd event was designed for youth who are on the spectrum. (Jeff Helsdon Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

A recent event at the Tillsonburg Fire Department differed from the usual mould for such events: there were no lights, no sirens and no crowds.

The sensory friendly event, held on May 27, included displays from Oxford EMS and the OPP, as is often the case at fire department public events. The first-time event was by registration only.

“It’s for those families that can’t attend our open houses because it’s crowded and loud, it’s a more quiet environment,” said Sarah Barclay, Public Educator with Tillsonburg Fire Department.

The concept for the night came from a conversation with Kristen Parsons, daughter of former fire chief Bob Parsons, whose son is on the spectrum and didn’t feel comfortable attending traditional fire department events.

The evening came with similar opportunities for those attending traditional events at the fire hall to see fire trucks, an ambulance and police vehicle up close. A chance to climb into a fire truck was also part of the night.

Barclay used the night to garner feedback on the sensory support kits that will eventually be put in all the fire trucks. These include cards for communication with non-verbal children, a stress ball, a fidget toy, headphones, sunglasses and paper and pen for communication. The concept for the kit came from former Tillsonburg resident Jamie Kovacs, who is now the executive director of the Fire Safety Council. That group put the kit together with Autism Canada.

“I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to get feedback from families of what they think of the kit,” Barclay said.

She was impressed with the response to the event and is planning on holding another.