The Spokane Valley Fire Department has purchased weighted blankets available for calming those diagnosed with autism or anyone who may be experiencing a crisis.
SVFD spokesperson Julie Happy says the blankets, purchased from the ISAAC Foundation, have already been delivered to most stations. Holly Lytle founded the nonprofit in 2007, when her son diagnosed with autism passed away just before his fourth birthday.
The foundation works to support those touched by autism and other disabilities through educational, emotional and financial support programs.
The blankets purchased by SVFD may also be used to calm a fellow firefighter.
“We wanted to help the Spokane Valley Fire Department to be better prepared and to have training in calming techniques with individuals with autism,” Lytle said.
“The great thing about the weighted blankets is they help everyone who is experiencing crisis, not just those with autism. The SVFD is going to find that these blankets are a huge asset to their crisis response," she added.
Weighted blankets can provide comfort and enhance the quality of sleep for those diagnosed with autism, sensory processing disorders, anxiety, Tourette’s syndrome and ADHD.
“We are always looking for ways to improve crisis response,” said Fire Captain and paramedic Jeff Fraser. “This seemed like a great option to incorporate for helping those individuals who are in distress and in need of care.”
The perfect weighted blanket is 10% of the body weight, with the weighted lap pad as another alternative. The latter is excellent for use in smaller areas or when away from home to improve focus and concentration.