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HOPEWELL: Special needs event set Saturday

Glenn Gabai: ”The purpose of the open house is to reduce the stress involved in an emergency by facilitating the ease of interactions between the first responder and the community”

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer
   An open house intended to make emergency operations involving individuals with special needs go more smoothly and effectively is scheduled at Hopewell Firehouse on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
   On hand along with emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and firefighters will be members of the Hopewell Township Police Department, which covers Hopewell Borough.
   These first-responders will be at the station to meet with “community members who have special needs of any kind, including mental and physical disabilities, autism spectral disorders, epilepsy, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s and being wheelchair-bound,” said Glenn Gabai, a Hopewell EMT and organizer of the event.
   Attendees will be able to register with a township police dispatcher. This means that, should they be involved in an emergency situation, responders will have, in their computer database, key information about whatever special needs are involved in that call.
   Fingerprinting also will be available at the open house. And a representative of the county sheriff’s office will have information on electronic bracelets or anklets that can be used to locate those with special needs.
   At the event, those with special needs will have an opportunity to meet with EMTs and firefighters, who will demonstrate some of their gear and equipment and give guests a chance to use and operate some of it.
   ”The purpose of the open house is to reduce the stress involved in an emergency by facilitating the ease of interactions between the first responder and the community,” Dr. Gabai said. “It is preparedness training for both the first responder and the special needs community.
   ”There will be an opportunity to try on firemen’s gear, sit in a police car and at noon and 1 p.m. to see the lights and hear the sirens in a controlled environment,” Dr. Gabai added.
   Giving those with special needs familiarity with these aspects of emergency service can make emergency calls involving them safer and more effective, he said. And, “for the emergency providers, this is a chance to get to know our community of special needs individuals.”
   During the open house, a complimentary lunch will be served by the Hopewell Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. An RSVP is requested to help planners determine how much food will be needed. However, walk-ins are welcome. E-mail RSVP to: [email protected].
   ”Everyone is invited to attend,” Dr. Gabai said. “The better the public turnout, the more successful the open house will be. This event could save someone’s life.”
   The firehouse is located at the intersection of South Greenwood and Columbia avenues, Hopewell Borough.