Saratoga Springs firefighters participate in autism awareness training

SARATOGA SPRINGS – April is "Autism Awareness Month" and the Saratoga Springs Fire Department is making sure it’s prepared to best provide for those living with autism.

Various training sessions are being held this week to improve not only treating their medical needs, but also interactions on calls related to fires, alarm activations, searches, rescues and how to be part of a support system when firefighters are assisting family members on calls.

Chief Joe Dolan says those with autism may have not received the correct care in the past because some firefighters may have not understood their specific needs.

Dolan hopes this will help firefighters better treat the people they interact with.

Also, throughout the month of April, the department will be wearing royal blue shirts designed with Autism Awareness artwork.