New Jersey Shore Town EMS Squad Receives Important Donation

Studies have found that 15-20 percent of the world's Human Population can be classified into the new category of Neurodivergent.

After decades of research, scientists have found a neurological and genetic link between people who have been diagnosed as children or adults with:

-Attention-deficit disorders (ADD and ADHD)
-Autism spectrum conditions
-Dyspraxia
-Dyslexia
-Echolalia
-Hyperlexia
-Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
-Tourette Syndrome

Individuals with Neurodivergent Challenges typically do not like to admit to this because they do not want to be seen as "different" or "less than" anyone else. In some areas of society, Neurodiversity is viewed negatively, and like all stereotypes, once someone gets labelled, that negative perspective is hard to break free from socially.

But being able to recognize Neurodiversity is important for Medical Professionals when trying to communicate with and care for patients with different needs. Now, one South Jersey Medical Center has donated resources to help Jersey Shore Emergency Medical Services do their jobs more efficiently.

Sea Isle City EMS Receives Assistance From Medical Center

In a press release from Shore Medical Center and distributed by Sea Isle City Department of Community Services, three fully stocked sensory kits have been donated to Sea Isle City Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

Shore Medical Center is also supplying state-certified training course that will help EMTs care for patients with sensory needs and best utilize the sensory kits. The new kits include:

*Laminated communication boards to help nonverbal patients express their needs
*Fidget and sensory toys to provide calming tactile input
*Noise-canceling headphones to help block overwhelming sounds
*Weighted blanket to provide gentle pressure and soothe anxiety
*Shaded safety glasses to reduce visual overstimulation

In the press release, Sea Isle EMS Chief Bruce Knoll gave the following statement about why these sensory kits are so important:

“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....“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.”

There is a special relationship between Shore Medical Center and Sea Isle City. Earlier this year, a new outpatient testing room was opened at the Medical Center located off Shore Road in Somers Point.

The new outpatient testing area open for adults and children living with ASD or other sensory needs was opened at Shore Medical Center, thanks to the work of Mike's Seafood Polar Bear Run-Walk for Autism. The annual fundraising event in Sea Isle City is the passion project of Mike Monachetti for almost 20 years.

Sea Isle City is not unfamiliar with raising money for causes that are important to the community. Eagles Legend Jason Kelce raises money with his Team 62 Shore Birds Fundraiser, benefiting the Eagles Autism Foundation each summer: