The City of Scottsdale is offering an orientation program for their First Responder Smart Card Program. Last I heard, Scottsdale was one of only three communities in Arizona that offers this program.
The Scottsdale Police Department, in conjunction with its partner organizations, has a program to provide safe and efficient service to individuals with special needs such as mental illness, developmental disabilities or medical conditions with behavioral implications.
Called the First Responder Smart Card Program, it encourages individuals and families to register so the first responder to an emergency knows there is an individual with special needs in the home.
Orientation classes for the program will take place at 10 a.m. on Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 13 and Feb. 27 at Scottsdale Police and Fire Headquarters, 8401 E. Indian School Road. The class will provide training for parents and providers on when to call first responders and what happens when they call.
For more information, contact Cheryl Berkson or Natalie Summit at (480) 312-2273 or by email at smartcard@scottsdaleAZ.gov. More information is also available on the City of Scottsdale’s Smartcard web site.
I have a First Responder card for my son. As he’s matured so much in the past year, I’m not sure that I need it any longer, but do think it’s good insurance for anyone who has someone in their care with special needs, or other problems communicating. I attended a one hour orientation several years ago, and now update the card we keep at the house annually. The card can be kept on the front of the refrigerator or in the freezer in a visible location. There’s a record in the police/fire database so that if there’s ever an emergency call to our house, the first responders know to look for the card. On our card, I have a bit info about my son, his potential reaction to sirens and other loud noises, plus suggestions that would be helpful to a first responder. I recommend the program.
UPDATE: Date of Feb. 12th was corrected to the 13th, after I got a call from a volunteer for the program. All orientations are on Saturday.
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