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Blue bags: Fire department to carry kits for patients with autism

[Photo: OWLVFD]
The OWL Volunteer Fire Department is carrying Ben's Blue Bags.

The sensory bags for patients with autism contain an array of different items to use when patients are having a stressful sensory issue. Things such as marbles in mesh, squeeze balls, a flipper chain, and a Rubik's Cube are among the kits' sensory tools.

The idea to begin carrying these unique resources has been discussed by members in the past few years. Firefighter/Paramedic Lt. Matt Kodicek created Ben's Blue Bags from the City of Crown Point Fire Rescue in Crown Point, Ind. He was inspired to start the nonprofit in honor of his son, Ben, who is autistic.

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