The COLT Approach: Communicate. Observe. Lighten. Treat.

Course  description: This course is designed to give first responders the tools to  communicate with the neurodivergent patient.   We will discus a variety of methods in how to communicate, how to know  someone has sensory needs, how to decrease stimulation during an emergency,  and how to be efficient with treatment. This is based on the deployment of  the COLT Kit initiative with VBEMS. The COLT kits include noise cancelling  headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, dry erase boards, and most importantly -  AAC style communication charts in multiple languages, giving providers the  physical tools. This course will not only review the impact of the kits, but  how providers can bridge the communication gap in an emergency setting.