Tache fire department creates sensory kits for kids

Being in an accident or having your home catch fire can be a stressful event for anybody, but especially for children. Wanting to make the experience bearable for youngsters with sensory issues, learning disorders, or intellectual disabilities, the RM of Tache fire department has created kits.

“We had our public educator do some research, and she has a child that also has sensory issues, and she thought that would be a great thing to add into our tool box,” said fire chief Allan Rau. “Actually, earlier this year we did respond to a call where we encountered a child with sensory issues and we had nothing to help them deal with the situation. And we felt that this item was extremely valuable to us and that’s why we implemented it.”

The $100 kits contain noise cancelling headphones, fidgets, sunglasses, emotion cards, and other sensory toys.

“So, they’re not very complex items, but they’re very simple and they’re attention getters so the individuals can take their mind off the situation that they’re in at the moment,” said Rau, noting a scene can be a very stressful thing for a child.

“The noise, the lights, the activity that’s going on, not knowing what is going on, just adds to all the stressful environment for the individuals, whether it’s a child or an adult, everybody gets a little bit stressed at that time when a dramatic event is occurring in or at their home or even at their school.”

The department currently has one kit for their main truck, but will be creating two more to add to their two pumpers. Aside from the sensory kits, the fire department also has stuffed toys to provide comfort for children.