Class Enrollment

Class Registration
Autism Awareness for the First Responder
Date/Time: Fri 5/22/2026 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Location: Baystate Education Center - "The Glass Room"
Class Price: $0.00
Notes: Please join us for a course focused on the awareness, care and support of patients in the autism community. There will be lecture and scenario based education to include de-escalation, communication and environmental awareness. Participants will also be provided with community resources and support for further learning. 3.0 hours CEUs.
This course equips first responders with the knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively recognize, understand, and support individuals on the autism spectrum during emergency situations. Participants will learn how autism can influence communication, behavior, sensory processing, and responses to stress, helping reduce misunderstandings that can escalate encounters.
 
Through real-world scenarios and evidence-based strategies, the course covers techniques for de-escalation, clear communication, and environmental awareness. First responders will gain tools to identify common signs of autism, adapt their approach in high-pressure situations, and provide care that prioritizes safety, dignity, and trust.
 
By the end of the course, participants will be better prepared to respond confidently and compassionately, improving outcomes for both responders and the individuals they serve.
 
This course is worth 3.0 hours CEUs. 

Contact Us

Baystate Continuing Education
For more information or any questions, please contact us at the below contact details. Email is the best method of contact.
 361 Whitney Avenue
Holyoke, MA 01040

phone (413) 322-4244

What Course Should I Take? 

See the General Course Descriptions below. (Please click on the different course types on the left side of this screen for detailed descriptions of each course)

-Initial Courses for certification in BLS, ACLS and PALS: These are fully in-person. Ideal for the student who has never taken the course before or their certification has expired.

-Renewal Courses for certification in BLS, ACLS and PALS: These are fully in-person. Ideal for the student who has taken the course before and needs to recertify before they expire. Please note that you have until the last day of your expiring month to recertify. 

-HeartCode Courses for certification in BLS, ACLS and PALS: These are hybrid courses.They provide the same certification as fully in-person courses listed above, but are offered in a hybrid format.The didactic portion of these classes are offered online, and then the student is required to attend an in-person practical skills session with an instructor. Enrolling in a Heartcode Course on this website will register you for both the online and in-person training.The date/time listed is when the student is required to attend their skills session. 

 

Want to take multiple course renewals in one day? Here's how: 

To complete all three course renewals in one day: this can only be done by completing all three courses as Heartcodes. We offer Heartcodes of all three disciplines back to back one day a week. Check the schedule for specific dates. 

To complete ACLS and BLS renewals on the same day, there are three options: Attend the ACLS & BLS Combo Course (fully in-person), Attend an ACLS Renewal Course and a BLS Heartcode Course on the same day, OR Attend an ACLS and BLS Heartcode course on the same day. 

To complete PALS and BLS renewals on the same day, there are two options: Attend a PALS Renewal Course and a BLS Heartcode Course on the same day, OR Attend a PALS and BLS Heartcode course on the same day. 

 

Main Course Location Street Addresses:

Please see your confirmation email for specific building directions and parking information.

Baystate Education Center - 361 Whitney Ave, Holyoke, MA 01040

Baystate Wing Hospital - 40 Wright St, Palmer, MA 01069

Baystate Franklin Medical Center - 164 High St, Greenfield, MA 01301

 

Promo Codes and Discounts

Please do not use promo codes that do not apply to you. This will complicate your enrollment and may result in a delay when processing your certification. 

*If you work at BFMC, please use promo code BFMC for payment.

*If you work at BWH, Please use promo code WING2026 for payment. 

*If you work in the BMC Main Campus Adult Emergency Department, please use promo code BMCED

*If you work in the BMC Main Campus Pediatric Emergency Department, please use promo code BMCPEDIED

*If you work at Noble Hospital, please use promo code NOBLE2026

*If you work for Home Health, Hospice and Palliative Care, please use promo code HHH2026. 

 

If you are a self-paying Baystate Health employee, please use promo code BMC2025 for a discount on your courses. 

We offer a 10% discount for first responders, military personnel and current students. Please email [email protected] for more information. 

 

FAQ: To look up old cards or claim new AHA cards manually, go to https://ecards.heart.org/student/myecards  - then enter your name and email address used at registration.