Uwchlan Ambulance Corps is now a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC), designated by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). The CAC designation is awarded to organizations that complete an industry-specific training program that is designed to help first responders better understand, approach, and provide support to autistic individuals or those with other sensory sensitivities.
“As a Certified Autism Center™, we are excited to offer IBCCES’ innovative course through our Training Institute to give First Responders in Chester County the knowledge and tools they need to be more successful when they encounter persons with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during emergencies” said Wes Weber, UAC’s Board President.”
“For over 40 years, Uwchlan Ambulance has been guided by a credo of making the difference. And even as our world changes around us.Uwchlan Ambulance has stayed committed to making a difference for all of our community members,” said Jim Werner, Special Projects Captain of Uwchlan Ambulance. “The ability to recognize and adapt to situations involving neurodiverse patients and residents will allow us to continue this mission at the highest level for all of our community members.”
The need has never been greater to ensure that first responders and law enforcement have a clear understanding of how to communicate, approach and assist autistic individuals. Currently, 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with autism in the US according to the CDC, and a growing number of individuals also have sensory sensitivities or are receiving diagnoses later in life.
“Our program will help Uwchlan Ambulance Corps create a safer community for everyone, and we’re proud to be part of that,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.
In addition to the CAC designation, Uwchlan Ambulance Corps offers a host of community classes, such as first aid, CPR, and babysitting, which can be adapted to benefit neurodivergent community members. Uwchlan can also offer sensory-friendly site visits and tours (please email Jwerner@station87.com to schedule), and all ambulances are stocked with sensory bins to make emergent calls less stressful for patients.
For more than 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with its board of clinical and subject matter experts and autistic individuals to provide professionals with a better understanding of autism and other cognitive differences.
IBCCES also created CertifiedAutismCenter.com as a free online resource for parents that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
About the Uwchlan Ambulance Corps
Uwchlan Ambulance Corps (UAC) was founded in 1974 by volunteers as a nonprofit corporation and provide life-saving care to over 69,000 residents with six ambulances, and three responder units, highly trained Paramedics, and EMTs who respond to nearly 4,400 emergency calls/year. UAC is a leading training institute in our region and is an approved American Red Cross Training Site, ASHI Training Site, Pennsylvania Department of Health Continuing Education and BLS Certification Institute. Active in the community, UAC offers many educational opportunities, including our youth program for ages 14-18, many of which go on to pursue careers in the healthcare field. We welcome the opportunity to assist community organizations such as scouts and schools and teach all ages First Aid and CPR.
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