Autism Awareness for the Fire Service

Individuals diagnosed with autism are seven times more likely to have an experience that would require emergency services. This course provides an overview of how symptoms of autism impact a person’s daily life, as well as the lives of those around them. In an effort to increase first responder’s awareness of what this community needs in an emergency situation, this course will train you on how to identify autistic traits in an effort to provide the utmost diligence and care when attending these calls.

Brian Focht

Brian Focht CFPS, CFEI, is a 40-vetern of the fire service and Past Chief of the Willow Grove (Fire Company and a Career Lieutenant with the Horsham Fire Company serving as shift supervisor and Training Officer. He is a Pro Board level 3 fire instructor and teaches at several academies. He is a PA Department of Health Paramedic and Instructor. He has authored articles on Natural Gas and Electrical Emergencies and Designed a Training Video and Program for Emergency Services on dealing with Autism. He co-authored a book on Tactical Response to Natural Gas Emergencies by PennWell. He was the 2014 OCAILA Community Achievement Award, 2016 Recipient of the Garry Breese IAFC Safety Performance Award, 2017 Liberty Museum Valor Award for Community Betterment and 2019 PA Department of Health Instructor of the Year. A NFPA Certified Fire Protection Specialist and many other professional credentials and meritorious citations.