Nanaimo purchases sensory support kits for first responders

Nanaimo

2022-05-26 09:00 PDT

File # Nanaimo purchases sensory support kits for first responders

The Nanaimo RCMP is pleased to announce the purchase of fifteen first responder Sensory Support kits. The kits are meant to assist front line officers when responding to situations involving clients with sensory processing disorders, autism spectrum, and who may also be experiencing a mental health crisis.

The idea for the kits came from Constable Josh Waltman, the Nanaimo RCMP’s Mental Health Liaison Officer. Cst Waltman recently attended an Autism training session hosted by the Canucks Autism Network. During the session the kits were introduced and Cst Waltman immediately saw the need for them in Nanaimo. Cst Waltman pitched the idea to senior management of the Nanaimo RCMP who were quick to endorse it. They recognized the kits would allow for a more humanistic approach for their officers when dealing with clients in the community with specialized needs, said Constable Gary O’Brien of the Nanaimo RCMP.

Each kit comes at a cost of $100 and consists of noise cancelling headphones, booklets with visual supports, including emergency specific symbols, sunglasses for light sensitivity, sensory toys, and a whiteboard marker for non-verbal clients. The kits will be placed in selected vehicles of front line officers, School Liaison Officers and supervisor’s vehicles.

Shown in the attached photo, with two of the emergency kits, is Cst Shrestin Sundar, School Liaison Officer and Cst Josh Waltman, detachment Mental Health Liaison Officer.
 

Released by

Cst. Gary O'Brien

Email: gary.obrien@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
Website: nanaimo.rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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