Implementation and Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Autism Toolkit and Communication Board in a Rural-Based Emergency Medical Service Setting

The increasing prevalence of autism necessitates that all healthcare providers, including emergency medical technicians (EMT), adapt their practices to interact and communicate with autistic patients effectively. Many EMTs lack the training to communicate with and care for autistic individuals, often leading to increased anxiety and tension during emergencies. This study addresses this gap by implementing an evidence-based autism toolkit and communication board in a rural EMS setting.