Mesa First Responders
From the Mesa, Arizona, Fire and Medical Department:
Mesa Fire and Medical Department joins more than 60 organizations in and near Mesa, AZ, to become a Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) in an effort to create a truly inclusive community. The CAC designation, granted by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), means that staff, firefighters and first responders at Mesa Fire and Medical Department have received position-specific training through IBCCES to enhance their understanding and sensitivity when helping individuals with autism or other sensory sensitivities.
“Mesa Fire and Medical Department is grateful for the opportunity to receive this training. It allows us to meet the needs of all citizens that we respond to and serve the community with CARE (Compassion. Accountability. Respect. Excellence.),” said Battalion Chief Chuck Busboom of Mesa Fire and Medical.
Mesa Fire and Medical Department provides an all-hazard delivery of service.
All-hazards can be defined as: a department that provides every level of a hazard response whether it is trench rescue, hazardous materials, confined space, building collapse, rope rescue, fire extinguishment, EMS, dive rescue, swift water and vehicle extraction.
As part of an initiative toward inclusion for residents and visitors with autism and other sensory disorders, Visit Mesa gathered community support from city and local officials, private businesses, and other partners to achieve the IBCCES designation of the first-ever Autism Certified City by IBCCES.
For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for education, healthcare, and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES provides evidence-based training and certification programs created in conjunction with clinical experts and individuals with autism in order to provide professionals serving individuals with cognitive disorders a better understanding of what these disorders are, industry best practices, varied perspectives, and the latest research in these areas.
“IBCCES is excited to partner with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department to further build a truly inclusive city. This designation shows their commitment to providing the best care for individuals with autism and ensuring they can respond appropriately in critical situations,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman.
IBCCES also created CertifiedAutismCenter.com, as a free online resource for parents that lists certified locations and professionals. Each organization listed on the site has met Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) requirements.
