VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — A Virginia Beach paramedic and mother has developed specialized emergency kits to help first responders better serve residents with autism and sensory challenges during medical emergencies.

Bailey Hartley, who works for Virginia Beach EMS and has a 4-year-old autistic son, created the COLT Kit after recognizing a communication gap between first responders and patients with special needs. The kit is named after her son Colt.

"When I became a special needs mom I kind of noticed there was a communication gap between our first responders and treating patients," Hartley said.

Every ambulance serving Virginia Beach now carries one of these specially designed kits, which include noise-canceling headphones, sensory toys, sunglasses and communication charts. The tools are i

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