DEER Program First Responder TrainingUnderstanding Dementia
for First Responders
Effective approaches and resources that equip emergency personnel with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to serve people living with dementia, with dignity and care.
Schedule a Training
Tell us about your team and we’ll be in touch about hosting an offering of Understanding Dementia for First Responders.
Built With First Responders, for First Responders.
The DEER Program’s First Responder Training, Understanding Dementia for First Responders equips emergency personnel with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to respond effectively and compassionately when interacting with people who may be living with dementia. Designed in collaboration with First Responders, this training explores real-world scenarios, reframes behavioral symptoms as expressions of unmet needs, and introduces practical strategies for communication and crisis response.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of dementia and its prevalence, challenge common misconceptions, and become familiar with resources available across Nevada. Through hands-on activities and discussion-based learning, this training prepares First Responders to meet the needs of people living with dementia with dignity, clarity, and care.
When Every Second Counts, Understanding Changes the Outcome.
First responders are often the first point of contact in moments of crisis or confusion. This training helps you recognize dementia and respond with confidence.
Why Learn About Dementia?
First responders serve on the front lines of care and protection, offering vital support to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities throughout our communities. Their dedication, courage, and commitment are essential to ensuring that every community member feels safe and supported.
Because first responders are often the first point of contact in moments of crisis or confusion, it is especially important that they have the tools to recognize dementia-related situations.
Understanding Dementia for First Responders not only enhances safety, but also fosters dignity, compassion, and trust in those critical moments. By learning approaches that are sensitive to the unique needs of people living with dementia, first responders can strengthen their impact, reduce unnecessary risks, and create a safer, more inclusive environment for everyone.
In Understanding Dementia for First Responders, You Will:
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Learn about dementia, its prevalence, and common misconceptions.
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Reframe so-called “behaviors” as expressions of unmet needs.
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Learn effective, practical strategies to communicate with people who may be living with dementia.
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Discuss common situations first responders encounter in the context of dementia.
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Learn about dementia-related resources in Nevada.
Some Dementia Statistics
- 64,000 Nevadans are currently living with dementia.
- 1 in 9 people over age 65 will develop dementia, and 1 in 3 over age 85.
- 60% of people living with dementia will get lost at some point; first responders are often called to help find them.
- 50% chance of injury or death if a person living with dementia is not found within 12 hours of getting lost.
First responders play a vital role in supporting community members, including people living with dementia. This training supports first responders in effectively responding to emergent situations involving people living with dementia.
60% of People Living With Dementia Will Get Lost, and First Responders Are Often the Ones Called to Bring Them Home.
The right approach in those first moments can be the difference between fear and safety.
Schedule an Offering of Understanding Dementia for First Responders
We can help your team better serve community members living with dementia and their care partners. Contact us to learn more about fee-for-service contract opportunities to host an offering of Understanding Dementia for First Responders, in person or virtually.
What Participants in the Understanding Dementia for First Responders Training Are Saying
Training was good and informative.
Everything you taught was straightforward and interesting. Thank you!
Knowing how to communicate with people with dementia will help on the job.
I think it was awesome and eye opening. I wish I got this class while my grandma was still with us. It would have been super helpful. Thank you very much!
We Asked First Responders: “What Is One Way You Will Be Applying What You Learned Today to Your Work as a First Responder?”
- I will recognize the signs and deal with people calmly, respectfully, and with dignity.
- How to approach, how to communicate, what to look for, empathy, etc.
- Changing my approach and having patience when I am out with a person with dementia.
- Speaking calmly, in front of the person, with eye contact, and slowly.
- I will definitely implement communication techniques while interacting with [people living with dementia].
- Be as much of a calming presence as I can to ensure they get home safely.
- Knowing how to recognize and effectively talk with people with dementia, and connect family members to resources.
- How to approach someone with dementia in some form, engage with this person and make them feel safe in order to prevent problems now and in the future.
