Certified First Responder - Dementia Trained

"Alzheimer’s often causes individuals to exhibit disruptive behaviors. • Six in 10 people with dementia will wander. A person with Alzheimer’s may not remember his or her name or address — and can become disoriented, even in familiar places. • When individuals with dementia are lost, they may show signs of anxiety, fear, or hostility — all of which can escalate to more aggressive behaviors. • As the disease progresses and individuals with dementia forget family members and societal norms, there may be cases of false reports and victimization, indecent exposure, and shoplifting. First responders and Adult Protective Services (APS) workers will often encounter individuals with dementia. • First responders interact with people with Alzheimer’s while searching for a lost individual, stopping drivers who exhibit unsafe driving, rescuing people with dementia from abuse, and intervening in crisis or disaster situations. • Individuals with Alzheimer’s and other dementias can also be the victims of elder abuse. But, they may be unaware they are victims and may not know how to — or be able to — report it. • Despite the frequency of interactions, in 2015 only 10 states had laws requiring dementia training for first responders/law enforcement personnel, and only 6 states required training for APS workers. People with Alzheimer’s may present as uncooperative, disruptive, and combative when they have difficulty communicating and understanding what is happening. • First responders may not know how to work with people in these situations — leading to more confusion. • Education of the disease and training in de-escalation tactics can often effectively address the situation and ensure the safety of individuals with dementia as well as the safety of the first responders and APS workers. "

alzimpact.org fact sheet March 2020

The CFR-DT is open to those First Responders who have completed the one day Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Seminar by an approved NCCDP CFRDT trainer and who qualify for certification. First Responders who work for Law Enforcement, EMT, Fire Fighters, as well as National Security, are welcome to apply. Additionally, if you work in a Prison setting as a Guard you are also welcome to apply. Please download the application to see if you meet the required qualifications. "

NCCDP.org