New ambulance service resources to help people with learning disabilities or autism in south east London
The London Ambulance Service has made three new resources to support people with learning disabilities or autism when using their service.
For anyone, needing an ambulance can be a stressful and challenging experience. This can be especially true for people with learning disabilities or autism, who may face additional barriers to accessing and using the ambulance service.
To help reduce these barriers, the London Ambulance Service (LAS) has developed resources that provide clear and accessible information on what to expect when an ambulance comes, including any assessments that may need to be completed and what the ambulance looks like inside. By increasing understanding and reducing anxiety, these resources aim to promote greater engagement with the ambulance service, regardless of a person’s disability status.
These resources were created with input from people who have been in these situations before. They include an easy-to-read document, a social story, and a video. All of these are designed to be easy to understand and will help people with learning disabilities or autism, as well as those who support them. They will help reduce anxiety and make it easier to use the ambulance service when it’s needed, so people can get the help they need for their health as soon as possible.
- The easy-to-read document is a simple guide to using the ambulance service. It tells you what will happen when you call for an ambulance and what to expect when they arrive. You can print it out or read it here.
- The social story is a picture guide that takes you through the process of using the ambulance service step-by-step. It shows you what the ambulance looks like, the equipment they use, and the people who will be helping you. You can download and print the social story here.
- The video is an animated guide that explains how the ambulance service works. It shows you what happens from the moment you call for an ambulance to when you arrive at the hospital. You can watch the video here.
If you or someone you know has a learning disability or autism, you can use these resources to help prepare for any future ambulance needs. You can print out the easy-to-read document or social story, or watch the video online. By using these resources, you can be more confident in using the ambulance service when it’s needed, and get the help you need for your health as soon as possible.
Check the new LAS website Learning Disability and Autism page for more resources