SCALERA/VOSS/WHELAN BILL PROMOTING AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS ADVANCES

SCALERA/VOSS/WHELAN BILL PROMOTING AUTISM AWARENESS AMONG FIRST RESPONDERS ADVANCES

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

(TRENTON) - A Senate panel today released legislation Assembly members Fred Scalera, Joan M. Voss, and Jim Whelan 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 also a Nutley deputy fire chief. 

"Enhanced autism awareness curriculum would better enable first responders to react professionally, quickly, and efficiently in an emergency involving an individual with autism," said Assemblywoman Voss (D-Bergen).
Autism is a complex neurobiological disorder that impairs a person's ability to communicate and relate to others.

The measure (A-4058) 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.

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 part of a seven-bill package that Assembly Speaker Joseph J. Roberts, Jr. (D-Camden) crafted to help strengthen New Jersey's efforts in the detection, treatment and awareness of autism. The initiative was launched after the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in February identified New Jersey as having the nation's highest reported rate of autism - one out of 94 children.

"It is certainly clear from this report that we in New Jersey have a responsibility to provide care and assistance to families that have loved ones with autism," said Assemblyman Whelan (D-Atlantic). "Instituting programs such as this autism awareness curriculum for first-responders is one step in the right direction toward fulfilling this responsibility."

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

The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens committee released the measure 9 to 0 with zero abstentions. It is now poised for consideration by the full Senate.

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