Welcome
Veteran Sandbox is a frontline support initiative created to help veterans experiencing PTSD, operational stress, sensory overwhelm, or crisis presentations within Emergency Departments.The initiative provides dedicated “Sandbox” support boxes designed to reduce escalation, improve comfort,
and help veterans remain in care long enough to receive the support they need.Available through participating hospital EDs, each Veteran Sandbox includes:🎧 Noise-cancelling headphones
🕶 Strobe-reducing sensory glasses and eye mask
🪖 Weighted blanket support for grounding and comfortVeteran Sandbox was created through lived experience following the loss of a fellow veteran affectionately referred to as “the Viking.”
What began as grief became purpose — and that purpose became Veteran Sandbox.Emergency departments can be overwhelming environments for many veterans, particularly during moments of crisis, trauma response, anxiety escalation, or mental health distress. Veteran Sandbox was designed to reduce those barriers and provide frontline support when it matters most.This initiative is not about bigger buildings or more slogans.
It is about understanding, dignity, and care.To hear the story behind the initiative, listen to Natasha Hilbers on the She Served AU Podcast:🎧 Veteran Sandbox Podcast Episode
As part of the national rollout vision, the VUE2E (Veteran Understanding Emergency Environment) support form has also been developed to assist veterans presenting to ED and to support trauma-informed, trauma-aware care for frontline medical teams.The VUE2E provides:
• A simple presentation guide for veterans to communicate needs during escalation
• Trauma-aware guidance for triage teams
• Sensory and environmental support considerations
• Clear communication tools during crisis presentations
• Frontline support pathways focused on dignity, safety, and practical care
Media
In the Media