A.L.E.R.T.
Autism Law & Emergency Response Training
What is the ALERT Program?
ALERT provides training for First Responders so they can better serve people with Autism in an emergency situation.
Every training is led by a first responder who has a family member on the autism spectrum. Having different perspectives allows facilitators to provide a comprehensive overview of Autism Spectrum Disorder, including growth rates, theories, common characteristics, behavioral symptoms, and sensory issues. The program will also address effective communication methods while providing practical skills to first responders on how to successfully interact with a person on the autism spectrum during an emergency situation.
When are trainings held?
Training sessions are scheduled on a date and time most convenient for your department.
Email us at thearc@arcsc.org or call us at (803) 748-5020 for more information.
Who is the trainer?
Workshop Participants May Be Eligible For Continuing Education Credits
ALERT Course Schedule & Training Overview
The Arc of South Carolina’s Autism Law & Emergency Response Training (ALERT) equips first responders with practical tools to better understand, communicate with, and respond to individuals with autism during emergency situations.
Who Should Attend
Law enforcement, fire personnel, EMS, emergency room personnel, park service staff, and other emergency response professionals.
What the Training Covers
Autism characteristics, communication strategies, sensory and behavioral responses, search and rescue considerations, emergency medical response, law enforcement response, de-escalation strategies, and practical resources.
Course Format
ALERT training typically lasts 1 to 2 hours and can be tailored to fit the audience. Sessions may be offered in person or virtually, and participants receive a certificate of completion from The Arc of South Carolina.
What Makes ALERT Unique
Each training is led by a first responder with a personal connection to autism, helping bring both professional and lived experience into the course.
Meet Our ALERT Trainers
 Bob DerrBattalion Chief/Paramedic (Fire/EMS) Volunteer, North Rim Arizona; Bob specializes in structural fire response, EMS, search and rescue, and various other duties on the North Rim. |  Lt. Scott L. CarawayVolunteer Firefighter, Cheraw FD |  Susan E. PolkQuality Assurance Specialist / Dispatcher (Berkeley County 911) |
|---|---|---|
 Cassie RadfordSr. Investigator RCSD Victim Services Unit |  Jim ClementRetired: Fire Marshal/Asst. Chief Greenville Fire Department |  Layne DoweyFire Captain, Columbia Fire Department. |
 Kasey McClainFirefighter & First Responder, Due West Station 10; Captain, Donald's Fire Department |  Matthew AtkinsonCareer Firefighter and EMT, North Myrtle Beach Fire Department; Part-time FF with Calabash Fire Department |  Michael Martin, NRP, CICPAdministrative Training Coordinator, Thorne Ambulance Service |
 Lieutenant Shannon SaxonRidgeland Fire Department Shift 3 Supervisor / Training Coordinator |  Michael FredericksonSenior Firefighter/ back up Supervisor, Ridgeland Fire Department |  Joe GravesFirefighter, Ridgeland Fire Department. |
 Dalton SmithSenior Firefighter/EMT Ridgeland Fire Department |  John DawsonDeputy Fire Marshal, EMT, & EMT InstructorSimpsonville Fire Department |  Mike BellCaptain & Chaplain (Operational Officer, Member since 1987); Parent of a Daughter with Autism (Blacksburg Volunteer Fire Department) Mike Bell |
 Melina LeeChair, Disabilities Foundation of Beaufort County; Family Case Worker (Exceptional Family Member Pro |
A.L.E.R.T. Success Stories
The week following the Greenville training, I was called by one of our paramedics on the scene of a call with a woman with Autism. He was asking about the appropriateness of sedating her. I was able to ask him some questions about her behavior and offer some tips to help him deal with the situation. Ultimately, I went out to the scene to assist. As soon as I pulled up, I recognized the house from a call I ran as a relatively new paramedic 13 years earlier. Using the information I learned, we were able to calm the patient and safely transport her to the hospital for an evaluation.
~Chris Ruggiero
Greenville County EMS
In the Grand Canyon, we recently had an incident with an individual with Autism. A ranger who was on the scene had attended an ALERT training session. Because of the information presented in the class, the ranger remembered how to de-escalate the situation, and the individual was safely taken care of.
~Bob Derr
Volunteer, National Park Service
The ALERT program has been made possible through funding provided by the SC Department of Disabilities and Special Needs and by the South Carolina Physicians Care Charity. Special thanks to Retired Battalion Chief Robert Derr for facilitating trainings throughout the state.
