Carter Kit Testimonials

I have used the Carter Kits several times now. I love them!  I'm an EMT in Saginaw County and have worked for MMR almost 15 years.  Over the last year I have changed the outcome of my patients several times with just some of the little toys.  Being able to change the mood of my patients with medical and behavioral health emergencies.  I have used the toys with little kids that are just scared and need a distraction, to the dementia patient that just needs something to fidget with.  But the last time I used the kit I changed the patient's whole outcome.  We were dispatched to a violent 8 year old with autism.  We arrived on scene with family.  The mother stated he was punching and kicking her.  The patient was held down by family when they said he tried reaching for a knife.  Police were on and started walking him up the stairs to our ambulance.  The patient was fighting and kicking and was in a mindless rage.  The patient's mother stated that he has autism and she is having trouble with homeschooling.  Our medical director was on scene and stated we should use ketamine to sedate the patient.  The patient was very agitated and aggressive.  I got the patient secured on the cot and then got out the kit.  I gave the patient the squeeze balls and explained how to squeeze when he was mad.  I was able to do a full assessment of the child and was able to transport the patient to the hospital to be fully evaluated in the ER by the doctor without him under sedation, which helped both him and his mother in explaining the situation.  Thank you for the Carter Kits.  They have helped in so many ways.

 I used the Carter Kits with two younger male patients that were autistic. In the first instance I used all of the toys and also the weighted blanket. I had to take the weighted blanket back at the end of the call and I can understand the reasons for that but having the blanket in the toys was a big helps in that instance. The patient had just had a seizure and was very agitated and the kit helped. 

The second time I used the Carter Kit it was a patient that was very sick with a cold. I just used all the toys and it kept him occupied during the call. 

 Kits have been used through various runs. We have been routinely leaving the kits in the care of Cincinnati Children's for the continuity of care, and we have absolutely seen an positive impact in the comfort and morale of our patients with the Carter Kit System. We are very impressed! 

EMS was called to a 10 year old in crisis running around the road. EMS arrived and made contact with patient's mother. EMS gathered patient information and learned what patient’s interaction type was. EMS was able to establish a rapport with the patient. They informed the patient of some toys they have on the ambulance that he could play with. They were able to give the patient a hug, hold his hand, and successfully walk him to the ambulance. While in the ambulance patient wore the sunglasses, played with one of the squeeze balls which helped him begin to relax. While driving the patient back to his home, patient played with a bunch of the fidgets inside the Carter Kit which helped him become more comfortable. The crew was able to get the patient back home safely. Patient was excited to be back home so he could go swimming which is his decompression activity.

These kits are the best and continue to make a difference!