For a person with special needs, handling an emergency situation can be especially troubling.

It can be troubling for the emergency personnel responding, as well.

That’s why Sara Davis, Davie High EC teacher, organized a special day last month where the students and emergency personnel interact.

Held at the Wake Forest Baptist Davie Medical Center, it also included the Davie County Sheriff’s Department, N.C. Highway Patrol, Davie EMS, Davie Rescue Squad and firefighters from Smith Grove and Farmington.

“It’s good training for the students to prepare them for emergency situations, that are sensory friendly,” Davis said.

Some of the students are non-verbal, so it really could help responders in dealing with them, she said. The high school students had a week of curriculum study prior to the day.

They learned not to approach or touch a police dog, and how to respond when dealing with police or medical personnel.