In November of 2019, two central Indiana fire departments initiated mandatory training for their personnel regarding Dementia. EMS has been discussing the large numbers of baby boomers who are aging and in need of more medical care for the last few years. Those increased calls for assistance have materialized to impact public safety and are expected to continue.
How does this affect fire battalions? It effects them not only in EMS but in fire safety as well. The numbers of diagnosed dementia patients has risen. In addition to medical emergencies, dementia is a problem for situational awareness. Without going into great detail, consider that the dementia patient may not recognize danger, but may also see things and people who are not there. These patients believe they are self-sufficient and aware of their surroundings when the opposite is the truth.
There are a couple of things firefighters can do before EMS arrives.
• Set a positive mood for the interaction
• Make sure you have their attention
• Be clear and concise with you message
• Make sure your questions are simple
• If they get disturbed, distract and re-direct.
Consider getting some dementia training for your personnel, their exposure to these patients is more likely than one would expect.
The Third Bugle 