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