Ohio House Bill Would Create Dementia Training Requirements for First Responders

Two Ohio lawmakers have proposed a bill to set up training requirements for first responders on how to identify and engage with people with dementia, reports the News-Herald . Under the legislation, the Ohio Attorney General's Office would consult with the state's Department of Aging to develop a program requiring two hours of training for police and first responder trainees, and one hour for continuing professional training. Rep. Phil Plummer's (R-Ohio) office stated that training would focus on identifying individuals with dementia, including psychiatric and behavioral symptoms; respectful and effective communication with individuals with dementia and their caregivers; methods to address the behavioral symptoms of dementia; identifying and disclosing abuse, neglect, and exploitation of people with dementia to the attorney general's office; procedures for contacting caregivers when someone with dementia is found wandering or during an emergency or crisis situation; local resources for those with dementia; and local and national organizations that help peace officers with locating missing and wandering persons with dementia and returning them to caregivers. Plummer is sponsoring the bill with Rep. Thomas West (D-Ohio). "Making sure that our peace officers and first responders are equipped to identify and effectively interact with Ohioans with dementia is crucial," said West. "Our bill would ensure that they receive the necessary training to handle these situations and ensure the safety of our loved ones with this disease."