Comfort kits distributed to area fire departments

When Marc den Bok was a Clearview firefighter, he saw first-hand how upsetting events like a fire, motor vehicle accident or medical emergency in the home can be for children.

After attending an information session for families with autistic children he realized there was a lot first responders could be doing to reduce the stress and trauma of these events.

Den Bok created the first Comfort Kits for fire departments in Clearview and Collingwood in 2019. Initially, the focus was on non-neurotypical children, but since then, the kits have evolved to serve the needs of all children and young adults exposed to trauma.

The kits contain a variety of items selected to distract children from the upsetting situation and help them relax.

“We’ve got things like breathing cards and a sand timer to encourage regulated breathing, communication cards for children who may have difficulty expressing themselves verbally, ear muffs to deal with sensory issues and a fidget spinner to keep their hands occupied,” he said.

Kit contents have been tweaked since the first versions, with guidance from Childhood Mental Health Advocates and Early Intervention Specialists. Often, the effects of being involved in or witnessing situations that require first responders can trigger physical and mental systems. The kits have proven effective in managing both immediate and long term effects.

All the contents come in a durable waterproof box designed to be carried on a fire truck or in a cruiser. Since his not-for-profit Comfort Kit Canada pioneered the first kits, many departments have come up with their own version. The Ontario Fire Marshall’s Public Safety Office has created one, and den Bok has assisted departments as far away as Texas to develop their own kits.

The Comfort Kit program also includes training for first responders. Den Bok says fire trucks have long carried teddy bears to help calm children, “The Comfort Kit is an evolution of that approach.”

Each kit costs roughly $100 to assemble. Initially, den Bok was contacting police and fire services offering the kits at cost. That distribution model has changed in that they now seek out local businesses to donate the kits.

Smart Insulation of Collingwood has stepped up to donate a total of 15 kits to fire departments in Collingwood, Wasaga Beach and Clearview, and the OPP. Clearview will receive five kits, one for each fire station in the township.