SCALERA BILL TO PROMOTE AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS ADVANCES

SCALERA BILL TO PROMOTE AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS ADVANCES

Bill Would Establish Autism Awareness Program
For Emergency Medical Technicians, Police, Firefighters

(TRENTON) - The Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee released legislation Assemblyman Fred Scalera sponsored to establish an autism awareness training course for emergency medical technicians, police and firefighters.

"Although New Jersey is a national leader in providing care and support for those with autism, it is essential that our first-responder network is sufficiently trained to recognize autism and how to handle individuals who have this disorder," said Assemblyman Scalera (D-Essex), who is a Nutley deputy fire chief. 

The measure (A-1908) would require the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) to create an autism awareness training course and curriculum.  Prior to being certified, prospective emergency medical technicians would be required to complete the DHSS administered course.  Individuals currently certified as emergency medical technicians would be required to complete a continuing education course in autism recognition and response techniques.

"New Jersey's police officers and firefighters need the tools and training to understand and help individuals with autism," said Scalera.  "This autism awareness program will make police officers and firefighters better professionals."

Additionally, the legislation would require the Division of Fire Safety and the Police Training Commission to utilize the DHSS training course curriculum to properly train firefighting and police recruits in autism awareness, recognition and response.

Currently employed police officers and firefighters - paid and volunteer - would be required to complete a continuing education course in autism recognition and response.

The legislation is the final piece of the landmark autism package championed by Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden) to strengthen New Jersey's efforts in the detection, treatment and awareness of autism.  The initiative was launched in February 2007 following the release of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that identified New Jersey as having the nation's highest reported rate of autism - one out of 94 children.  Six measures from the seven-bill package already have been signed into law.  

The Assembly panel released the measure 11 to 0.  It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides if and when to post it for a floor vote.
 
--30--