Course Details
See who this training is for, what you'll learn, and how to access it.
- Topics: Youth Health, Mental and Behavioral Heatlh, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), Violence Prevention and Safety, Health Equity and Social Determinants
- Audience: EMS, Public Safety Responders, Social Service Providers
- Format: Learning Track
- Language: English
- Estimated time: 2.5 hours
- Cost: Free
Responding to Pediatric Patients with Behavioral or Intellectual Differences - Learning Series
This learning series equips Maine EMS providers, public safety responders, and related professionals with the knowledge and skills to respond effectively to pediatric patients with behavioral or intellectual differences. Covering topics from disability awareness and mental health crisis response to communication, de-escalation, and safe transport, the course provides practical strategies for improving care and outcomes in crisis situations.
Learning objectives:
Recognize the unique needs of youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (including behavior disorders, Down syndrome, and autism spectrum disorder) and those in mental health crisis. Apply best practice strategies for communication, de-escalation, and stabilization in crisis situations. Demonstrate appropriate approaches for patient interaction, care, and safe transport. Utilize practical tools to improve outcomes and foster compassionate, effective care for this patient group.
Includes the following modules
Module 1: Introduction to Responding to Pediatric Patients with Behavioral or Intellectual Differences
Introduces the learning series and explores why pediatric patients with behavioral or intellectual differences require unique approaches in crisis and transport situations.
Module 2: Introduction to Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Provides an overview of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), common conditions, and EMS considerations for youth with IDD.
Module 3: Introduction to Mental Health Crisis
Defines youth mental health crises, explores prevalence and stigma, biological stress responses, and introduces the 988 crisis line and EMS implications.
Module 4: Collecting Information and Approaching
Focuses on gathering key information before and during a call, and using caregiver collaboration to inform safe, non-triggering approaches.
Module 5: Stabilization and De-Escalation
Provides strategies for stabilizing patients who are escalated or in crisis, with scenario-based applications of de-escalation steps.
Module 6: Caring for the Patient (Communication and Touch)
Teaches developmentally appropriate communication strategies and best practices for physical interaction with sensitive or escalated patients, with emphasis on caregiver collaboration.
Module 7: Transport
Prepares learners for safe, comfortable transport of pediatric patients, including recognition of crisis warning signs and strategies for stabilization during transit.
Module 8: Wrap-Up
Reviews key concepts, highlights opportunities for community improvement, and provides resources for further learning.