Creating Calm Amidst Chaos: Boulder High School's Efforts to Support Special Education Students During Emergencies

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School emergencies can be a frightening experience for everyone, from students to teachers to parents. For students with special needs, these situations can be especially daunting. The sudden chaos, loud noises, and unexpected changes to routine can be overwhelming, making it harder for these students to understand what's happening and how to stay safe. Boulder High School (BHS) recognized these unique challenges, following a swatting event at the school in February of 2023, and wanted to ensure that all of their students felt secure and cared for even in the most stressful times. Swatting is when someone makes a prank call to police claiming an emergency and provides a real address for officers to respond.

Kelly Gregg, an Occupational Therapist for BVSD, worked with local first responders to set up an interactive presentation for the BHS intensive learning center (ILC) program with the goal to create a supportive environment where students can interact with first responders, understand their roles, and feel safe during emergencies.

Motivation Behind the Initiative

The need for this program became apparent following a series of swatting incidents at BHS last year. False reports of an active shooter led to lockdowns, heavy law enforcement response, and the evacuation of students and staff to the nearby University of Colorado Boulder campus. While there were no physical injuries, the events were traumatic for everyone involved, highlighting continued work on inclusivity, especially for students with special needs.

Serving on the Special Education Advisory Council's (SEAC) Safety Committee, Gregg helped develop recommendations to better prepare and protect ILC students during emergencies after recognizing the unique challenges faced by these students during such crises. 

A Comprehensive Safety Approach

The presentations at BHS included interactive sessions with members from Boulder dispatch, a Boulder police officer, Boulder Fire Rescue, and American Medical Response (AMR). These first responders provided students with valuable insights and reassurances:

Sarah Humble, a dispatcher, and Brad Riggen, manager for the communications center at Boulder Dispatch kicked off the presentation by explaining to students how they can call for help. 

“Did you know you can text 911?” asked Humble before explaining to students how they can text for help in case of an emergency where they are unable to talk. They also introduced innovative solutions for emergency communication to the students. In situations where students might struggle to speak or convey their location, 911 dispatchers can send a video link for video call. This visual aid ensures clear communication, enabling dispatchers to understand the students' needs and provide timely assistance.

Officer Mitch Trujillo explained the extensive equipment carried by police officers, stating, "We carry all of our office on our bodies." 

This demonstration helped demystify their gear, making it less intimidating for the students. He also emphasized his supportive role by reassuring students, "We are here to help you." 

Boulder Fire Rescue showcased their various outfits, which can weigh between 60 to 100 pounds, demonstrating how they might appear in an emergency. This helped students understand that, despite their gear, firefighters are there to assist them.

Chad Killcreast with AMR emphasized the safety and care provided by EMS teams, he stated, "We’re there to take care of you and give you the assistance that you need," and highlighted the ambulance as a "safe place." Killcreast also acknowledged the potential for students to feel overwhelmed, reassuring them by stating that "sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but we don’t want you to be afraid of us, we are here to help."

At the end of the presentations, students had an opportunity to step outside and engage directly with the emergency vehicles. They explored the interiors of a police car, discovering the various tools and equipment officers use daily. The students also toured an ambulance, learning about the medical supplies and life-saving devices it carries. Lastly, they got an up-close look at a fire truck, examining the heavy gear and firefighting equipment, and even seeing how firefighters use the truck's features during emergencies. 

This hands-on experience not only reinforced what students learned during the presentations but also allowed them to build a personal connection with the first responders and their vital roles in the community, cultivating a sense of security and confidence among both students and emergency personnel.