Local emergency departments advocate for more training in handling elderly

TROY, Ohio (WKEF/WRGT) - The Miami Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association announced new legislation is pending to help first responders to receive enhanced training in handling dementia and Alzheimer's patients. The organization said it had worked with State Rep. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) to introduce House Bill 23, which is awaiting a vote in the House of Representatives. The organization shared that recent calls to local first responders had highlighted the need for additional training.

Troy Fire Chief Matthew Simmons explained that his department has seen an uptick in emergency calls to respond to older adults living with dementia and other cognitive impairments. In two recent calls patients became combative with EMS, "When we are dealing with patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia it does elevate the nature of the call," said Simmons.

On April 13, 14 and 15 his staff will undergo additional training with an Alzheimer's Association representative on communication strategies. Simmons said, "It couldn’t come at a better time in my opinion." Nearly 220,000 Ohioans 65 years and older have Alzheimer's disease. One of the symptoms of the disease causes a patient to wander which can create agitation and other behavioral issues that can increase the chances of danger when first responders become involved.

Simmons said of the additional training, "“We are not the experts at everything. When we have the opportunity to partner with people who are the experts we’re are going to do that."

Additionally, the organization is partnering with the Cincinnati Police Department in an $150,000 grant to improve officer's ability to interact with Alzheimer's patients. Twenty five officers will receive additional training and become designated primary responders for calls involving patients suffering from Alzheimer's. Lieutenant Adam Hennie, the Cincinnati Police Academy Commander said, "you always want to be proactive and don’t want to be reactive. I know the command staff always embraces innovative training such as this."