Paramedic-educator Sara Moore joins Medic on the Mic for one of our most heartfelt conversations yet—on autism, neurodivergence, and truly people-first care in EMS. From the school incident that ignited her advocacy to field-tested de-escalation tools (sensory kits, visual priming, and rapport-building through hyperfocus), this episode gives leaders, educators, and street-level providers practical steps they can implement today.
What you’ll learn
- How “people first, diagnosis second” changes outcomes
- Building a low-cost sensory kit (fidgets, chew tool, noise-canceling headphones, whiteboard/markers, PECs board, simple coloring items)
- Visual priming: photos of the stretcher, rig interior, ambulance bay, and patient rooms to reduce anxiety before transitions
- Using hyperfocus/info-dumping to build rapport quickly
- The “blue envelope” idea for disclosure—and Sara’s EMS-specific version in development
- Why so many EMS pros may be neurodivergent—and what that means for training and wellness
Power takeaway:
“Treat the person before the diagnosis.”
Timestamps
00:00 Intro & why this episode matters
02:00 Meet Sara (paramedic, educator, mom)
06:00 The handcuff incident—and what it changed
16:00 Autism traits & communication differences
24:00 Visual priming to ease transitions
29:00 What’s in a field-ready sensory kit
33:00 Applying these tools to dementia, kids, and panic attacks
34:30 Why EMS attracts neurodivergent minds
47:00 ‘Blue envelope’ for EMS—what’s next
50:00 One-sentence takeaway: people first
Connect with Sara
• LinkedIn: search “Sarah Moore Groover”
• Email: [email protected]
Host: Brandon Heggie | Medic on the Mic
Questions or feedback? Message us—your notes may shape a future episode.
Keywords: EMS, Autism, Neurodiversity, De-escalation, First Responders, Education, Inclusion