Neuroinclusion
Sensory experience of an ambulance
Experiences of the Autistic community accessing an ambulance
Amaze and 糖心Vlog asked Autistic people and parent/carers about their experiences when needing an ambulance. Many shared how the sensory environment of an ambulance and communication barriers can impact their experience.
What we heard from the Autistic community:
Noises
The noise of sirens, medical and ambulance equipment adds to sensory overwhelm.
Smells
The smell in an ambulance is like a GP clinic and hospital and some medications have strong odours.
Taste
It鈥檚 helpful to know medications can have an unpleasant taste.
Touch
Assessment and treatment may require touch with a gloved hands, the use of equipment can feel firm, cold, sticky on the skin. The texture of blankets and positioning on the stretcher might feel uncomfortable.
Lights
Paramedics can need bright lights to work safely, they may need to shine a light in your eyes and the flashing lights of the ambulance might be challenging.
Body awareness
Paramedics will ask lots of questions to understand how to help. This can be more challenging when trying to describe your experience and expression of symptoms and pain without effective communication tools and strategies.
Movement
You must wear a seatbelt when traveling in the ambulance which can restrict your movement.
Balance and motion
You will likely sit or lie backwards when travelling in the ambulance which can feel strange and may contribute to motion sickness.
What you can do
Share with paramedics what adjustments would help you have a positive experience.
Ask if you can take your:
- Fidget or sensory calming items
- Assistance animal and support equipment
- Phone, tablet and communication tools
- Sensory tools like ear defenders, hats or sunglasses.
What paramedics can do
- If safe, they can arrive without lights and sirens
- Turn off or down unnecessary sounds from medical equipment and lights
- Support your communication preferences by using the Emergency Healthcare Communication Book or your communication tool
- Explore with you different ways to explain and express pain or symptoms
- Explain and/or show what treatments and medication feels and tastes like
- Offer distractions techniques
Clear, direct information is crucial鈥inimising sensory impacts, treating distress with patience and allowing support can significantly improve the situation.
Resources
To contact the Disability Inclusion Program email: diversityandinclusion@ambulance.vic.gov.au
Read our Disability Action Plan.
Easy English resources
Access translated resources and Easy English resources.
Updated