Video: UAE’s first ‘sensory ambulance’ launched for people with autism, Down syndrome and ADHD

Zaid Al Mamari, Director of PODT, Dubai Ambulance, told Gulf News: “This is perhaps the world’s first sensory ambulance. All over the world there are ambulances that care for people with autism. “This is the first of its kind named sensory ambulance serving children with autism, Down syndrome and ADHD.”

Al Mamari said this unique ambulance serves as a backup to a normal ambulance vehicle.

“If there is an emergency with a determined person, the regular ambulance will be called first. It will arrive in minutes. If the paramedics are unable to calm the patient, they will call the sensory ambulance, which is well equipped to calm the patient.”

Al Mamari said the idea is to help paramedics care for patients in the best way possible. “If a patient is very hyperactive, the paramedic can call the sensory ambulance and this will surely calm the patients down.”

Currently there is a sensory ambulance that has been launched. “Based on need, we will have more available.”

Al Mammari said that the Authority collected items from the autism centers and transferred them to this newly designed ambulance. “This will help our paramedics do their jobs 100 percent.”

The inside of the ambulance looks like a mini autism center. There is a clear theme: it is decorated in colors that calm autism patients. Fiber optic lights have been placed to calm patients. For a more immersive experience, soft-toned music plays inside. A glass with well-lit bubbles is also part of the setup inside the ambulance.

“Bubbles are an eye tracker. Children follow their eyes around the bubbles, calming them. Another color number marker is available to change the ambulance lights. Inside the autism center, you will find this. [kind of arrangement]. Children press the number according to the color they are attracted to. Then the ambulance will light up inside with the same color,” Al Mamari explained.