The Westfield Fire Department (WFD), in collaboration with the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Indiana, announces a new training initiative aimed at equipping firefighters and EMS personnel with specialized knowledge and best practices for responding to individuals living with dementia.
WFD is one of only two fire departments in the state of Indiana to collaborate with the Alzheimer’s Association.
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of symptoms caused by brain disorders, with Alzheimer’s disease accounting for 60 to 80 percent of cases. Today, nearly 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, a number projected to nearly double by 2050.
In Indiana alone, more than 121,000 Hoosiers are affected, supported nationwide by an estimated 219,000 family members and friends who provide almost 325 million hours of unpaid care annually.
Caregivers often call 911 when they feel overwhelmed or unsafe, even when a transport to the emergency department may not be necessary or in the patient’s best interest. Aggressive or resistant behavior is frequently misunderstood. It is typically a response to fear, confusion, pain, or overstimulation.
Through this targeted education program, Westfield first responders are learning to:
- Recognize signs of dementia during emergency calls
- Use calm, empathetic communication and patient body language
- De-escalate behavioral challenges effectively
- Identify common risks, including wandering, falls, burns, unsafe living conditions, and medical emergencies
- Connect families to local resources and support services
“Transporting someone with dementia to the emergency room can be traumatic and disorienting for them,” said Westfield Mobile Integrated Health (MIH) paramedic Walter Rippy. “This training gives our crews the tools to assess the situation, provide care on scene when appropriate, and ensure caregivers know about the free, 24/7 support available through the Alzheimer’s Association.”
Key resources we can share with families on every applicable call include:
- 24/7 Helpline: (800) 272-3900 (staffed by master’s-level clinicians)
- org/Indiana
- “My ALZ Journey” mobile app, available with IOS and Android systems
- com for cognitive wellness tools
The Alzheimer’s Association also emphasizes that up to 40 percent of dementia cases may be prevented or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors throughout life, including managing high blood pressure and cholesterol, treating pre-diabetes, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, quitting smoking, wearing seat belts and helmets, and preventing falls.
“This partnership reflects our shared commitment to keeping people with dementia safe in their homes and communities for as long as possible,” said Tara Weed, Public Health Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Indiana. “Trained first responders enhance the care of dementia patients in an emergent situation, which can reduce the mental trauma of those with the disease.”
For more information about dementia response training or available community resources, contact the Westfield Fire Department or visit alz.org/Indiana.