EMS Sensory Kits Making a Big Difference in Virginia Beach Community

In 2025, Virginia Beach Emergency Medical Services (VBEMS) launched an initiative to help first responders better support patients of all ages with sensory sensitivities, developmental delays or communication challenges during emergencies. The program was inspired by Capt. Bailey Hartley’s 5‑year‑old son, Colt, who has level 3 autism.

One year later, the COLT Kit has become a steady, practical tool for VBEMS crews, helping reduce stress, improve communication and create calmer, safer interactions on scene. 

In addition to noise-canceling headphones, sunglasses and a whiteboard, the COLT Kit now includes several new items. It features added stuffed animals, a wider variety of fidget tools and expanded Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) charts available in Tagalog and French, alongside English and Spanish. 

Community Impact: Success Stories and Usage Statistics 

With 40 documented uses in the past year, the COLT Kit continues to show measurable impact across patient populations.

• Noise‑canceling headphones in action: Pediatric and elderly patients use the noise-canceling headphones most often to reduce anxiety and overstimulation, especially inside the ambulance where sirens, cardiac monitors and engine noise can be overwhelming.  
• AAC charts improving communication: The charts have been effective in all patient populations. One recent success story involved a VBEMS crew using the charts to help an autistic, non-verbal patient identify a complaint of chest pain and the location and severity of the pain. 
• Fidget tools helping calm patients: Crews report benefits for both neurodivergent and neurotypical pediatric patients. 
  • After a minor car accident, a patient with no injuries became overwhelmed in the ambulance, because it was their first time in one. Fidget tools helped calm the patient and reduce fear of the unfamiliar environment. 
  • In another case, a VBEMS crew was unable to obtain vital signs because a patient with severe developmental and cognitive delays was hyperactive and unable to remain still. Fidget tools helped calm the patient, allowing crews to complete vital signs.   
• Supporting families during emergencies: In one call, VBEMS treated a mother experiencing a medical emergency while her child with autism needed to accompany her because no one else was available. Crews used headphones, sunglasses and fidget tools from the kit to keep the child calm throughout transport, allowing providers to focus on the mother’s care. 

Recognition and Awards 

The COLT Kit initiative has also earned significant recognition over the past year: 

• The 2025 Act of Service Award (VBEMS, February 2026) 
• The Virginia Beach Mayor’s Committee for Persons with Disabilities Award (March 2026) 
• The NAEMT–AAP Pediatric EMS Award for 2026 (August 2026) 

Improving Inclusive Patient Care  

One year in, the COLT Kit has reshaped how VBEMS approaches patient care. What began as a simple idea is now a practical, everyday tool that helps crews reduce sensory overload, improve communication and support families during their most stressful moments. 

• VBEMS

Virginia Beach EMS is an award-winning third-service agency that answers more than 58,000 calls for service annually. Through VB Rescue, VBEMS uses a combined career-volunteer workforce. Learn more by visiting ems.virginiabeach.gov. You can also contact VBEMS at vbems@vbgov.com.