Sensory Kits for EMS Use: COLT Kits

In my original discussion regarding the role of Caroline County Fire and Rescue in the community, I mentioned an importance for gaining trust in the community they serve. If the public needs to rely on Caroline's EMS in times of crisis, it's important that they’re able to provide comfort. 

COLT Kits

Recently, I discovered an article about sensory kits in use by Virginia Beach EMS. Created by Bailey Hartley, these kits, named COLT Kits after her son, are used to help first responders communicate with and soothe those who have sensory issues. COLT also serves as an acronym. Communicate effectively, observe sensory needs, lighten the overload, and treat with patience. Those with sensory sensitivities, such as those with Autism, can find the loud sirens and flashing lights of an ambulance overwhelming. Not to mention that the incident that resulted in a call to EMS can be very intense to begin with. COLT Kits are meant to help solve these problems and allow EMS members to improve communication.

Bailey Hartey and Virginia Beach EMS, showing off a COLT Kit

What’s inside a Kit?

COLT Kits can be carried inside any ambulance and all contain the following items: 

• A pair of noise-canceling headphones

• A mini Dry-Erase Board

• AAC Charts in English and Spanish

• Sensory Toys

• Sunglasses for Children and Adults

Each item has a specific purpose and the kit comes with a guide to help instruct first responders on when and how to use them. The headphone and sunglasses can be used to help stop noise and light stimulation. They can also be used to help those with migraines too. The whiteboard and AAC chart can be used to communicate with a nonverbal patient or when there is a language barrier. Lastly, the sensory toys can be used to help a patient remain focused and calm.

COLT Kits for Caroline County

Overall, I think these kits are excellent and should be used by Caroline County in the future. They’re a great way to build trust with the community, and are just good in general. With the COLT Kits, EMS can improve communication and help more people. These kits are easy to make too. All items can be ordered online and easily stored inside a single bag. Additionally, these kits have virtually no expiration date. To put a COLT Kit inside all ten of Caroline County’s ambulances, it would cost around 150 dollars. That comes out to about 15 dollars per kit. This is a fairly low price, and if focused on, could be done in less than a week.

COLT Kits for Everyone

Although I specifically focus on Caroline County, COLT Kits can be made and used by any EMS group in the country. If you like the idea for the COLT Kit, I would encourage you to propose the idea to your county’s EMS unit. The low cost and easy maintenance make it great for any county.