Shore Medical Center has provided three sensory kits to Sea Isle City Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to assist first responders in supporting patients with sensory sensitivities during ambulance transport. These kits are tailored for neurodiverse individuals, particularly those on the autism spectrum or with sensory processing differences, and will be kept on Sea Isle ambulances as a resource for EMTs and paramedics.
The kits contain noise-canceling headphones, shaded safety glasses, a weighted blanket, fidget and sensory toys, and laminated communication boards. The items are meant for patients to keep, with Shore continuing to supply replacements as needed.
Alongside the kits, Shore will offer Sea Isle EMS a state-certified training course on caring for patients with sensory needs. This training aims to help EMTs use each item effectively and create a calming environment for neurodiverse patients.
Sea Isle EMS Chief Bruce Knoll highlighted the importance of this initiative both professionally and personally. “We have quite the population of both visitors and year-round residents with sensory needs, so having these kits on our ambulances is an important asset that helps our staff provide quality care. It’s also personally meaningful to me—I have a son with sensory needs, so this ensures we’re equipped to care for people like him.”
Knoll also noted the benefit of their partnership with Shore: “This will help our EMTs understand how to use the kits, what tools are included, and how to best treat these patients. Our partnership with Shore has been great—we transport a lot of patients there, and we consistently get positive feedback between our crews and their emergency department about how we can continue to improve care.”
Sherri Richmond from Shore Medical Center emphasized their commitment to sensory-friendly care: “At Shore, we recognize how critical it is to work hand-in-hand with emergency providers like Sea Isle EMS to ensure neurodiverse patients receive the compassionate, appropriate care they need,” Richmond said. “This partnership reflects Shore’s broader mission—from our sensory-friendly programs in both pediatric and adult emergency care to outpatient testing. By equipping first responders and sharing our expertise, we’re improving the patient experience for some of our most vulnerable community members.”
This donation and training initiative demonstrate Shore Medical Center’s ongoing investment in community partnerships aimed at enhancing patient care beyond hospital facilities.
