Limerick FC hosts camp for those with special needs

LIMERICK » A breathing mask and oxygen tank. A jacket. Boots. A helmet. Most people recognize these as the uniform of a firefighter. However, people with special needs find that firefighters decked out in their familiar regalia, wearing masks that shield their faces and distort their voices, are scary and intimidating.

Since a fire in their home is trauma enough, firefighters strive to keep residents as calm as possible in times of emergency. One sector of the public which is particularly susceptible to firefighter phobia are individuals diagnosed with autism, Down syndrome or an anxiety-provoking condition.

To counter this problem, which is more common than one might expect, Limerick Fire Co. will host on Saturday, Oct. 13, a “camp” for individuals with special needs.

During each of two halfday sessions, firefighters will attempt to allay the fears of their special audience in a variety of ways.

“We are well aware of the special needs population. Many of these individuals are represented in our own members, their family and friends. These include my own 21-yearold sister, who is autistic,” said Gina Walters, chairperson of the event. “We want to make the special needs population comfortable with us in the event of an emergency situation. We don’t want them to be scared of us. We want them to know that we are here for them.”

Each of the two camp sessions – which run from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m.--will begin with an introduction of company officers and members. This will be followed by a demonstration of the rescue tools carried by Limerick’s emergency vehicles. Participants will also be shown how smoke detectors work, the proper operation of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher and how to place a 9-1-1 call. One of the highlights of the camp will be a stepby-step demonstration of a firefighter transitioning from a person in street clothes to a uniformed firefighter fully equipped to fight a fire.

To register for the camp, which costs $25 per participant, interested persons should sign up on the Limerick FC website at limerickfirerescue. org by Wednesday, Sept. 5. For more information, visit the website or call Gina Walters at 610-9600597.