Scott Co, IA: First responders get tools to keep autistic people calm

July 13, 2025, KCRG, Dubuque, IA: One Iowa couple is helping first responders care for people with autism

One eastern Iowa couple wants to help people with autism find peace in an emergency.

“Helping just one kid,” says behavioral health specialist Elizabeth Snaith. “Just one kid is worth what we are doing.”

For people with autism, Snaith says the lights and sirens of an ambulance can be too much.

“It’s overwhelming to have emergency vehicles at my door,” says Elizabeth. “If my brain already says I’m already overloaded by lights, sirens, touch, I’m already in that mode that this could cause a major trauma and I might become combative.”

Shawn Snaith, Elizabeth’s husband, works as a critical care paramedic for MEDIC EMS of Scott County. He says many first responders lack the tools to help.

“I felt like there wasn’t enough resources that we had to be able to get where we are now, and help these kids,” says Shawn. “These kids just need time to understand what is going on around them.” . . .

Designed to calm patients during emergencies, the bags include noise-cancelling headphones, stress balls, sunglasses, weighted lap pads, and more.

The Snaith family has distributed about 30 bags to the Bennett Ambulance Service, MEDIC EMS of Scott County, Moline Fire Department, and, newly, the Dubuque Fire Department.

Before partnering with the Snaiths, Dubuque Medical Officer Jeff Pregler says the department had its own smaller set of sensory tools, but notes the new sensory bags will help firefighters better help all people during an emergency. . . .

If someone is attached to a particular sensory item, the Snaiths recommend emergency responders give that patient the item, and the non-profit will replenish kits for free, as needed.

“You’re already with lights, sirens, and all these people coming to their doorstep... that’s a lot. Now, you’re able to help that child,” says Elizabeth. “Even one kid is worth it.”