FAST Session: Overcoming the Overwhelming: Transporting the Sensory Overloaded Patient

For some patients, the EMS environment can be just as distressing as the emergency itself. Helicopter blades whirring, sirens, lights, radios, and crowded scenes can quickly overwhelm patients experiencing sensory sensitivity, including those with autism, neurodivergence, mental health conditions, or acute stress responses. This session explores how providers can recognize sensory overload and how to modify communication, environment, and transport practices to create safer, calmer encounters for both patients and crews.

Speaker: Nicole King, RN, BSN, CEN, CCRN, CFRN, C-NPT, EMT-B