This week’s Monday night drill was an “Autism Awareness” drill for our members.

The training focused on helping our Fire and EMS personnel better understand how to recognize and appropriately respond to individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) during emergency situations. Members learned how sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and unique behavioral cues can impact a person’s response to lights, sirens, loud voices, or physical touch — all common elements of an emergency scene.

Through a mix of classroom discussion and real-world examples, the drill emphasized how patience, calm communication, and environmental awareness can help reduce stress and improve safety for individuals with autism, their families, and our responders. By increasing our awareness and adapting our approach, Vista Fire Department members are better prepared to provide compassionate and effective care to all members of our community.

For more info on how you can become a member call: (914)-533-2727, email us at Info@VistaFD.org, visit https://www.vistafd.org/content/become/ or apply online here: https://www.vistafd.org/apply