Emergency Responder Seminar at Pines to support those that “Serve and Protect”

Monday, 20 February 2012 16:13

Sarasota, FL - A recent altercation between a police officer and a 66-year old man with dementia in Melbourne, FL, has left communities in shock. The officer stated he acted in self-defense, thinking he was going to be attacked by the gentleman.

 

“Not being able to recognize symptoms of dementia and knowing how to interact with a person with the disease easily leads to misunderstandings that could be considered a threat by an unknowing police officer,” JoAnn Westbrook, Director of Education at the geriatric-oriented Pines Education Institute of S.W. explains.

 

With an older demographic and continuously increasing dementia and Alzheimer’s diagnoses, Florida’s Emergency Personnel is likely to be asked to assist more and more people with dementia. “Law enforcement officers are expected to “Serve and Protect” people in the community, but they also need to protect themselves. Learning about this disease will positively impact all parties, emergency personnel as well as civilians” Mrs. Westbrook further explains. “Emergency responders are doing a fantastic job safeguarding our community, and it is vital that they receive our support in return.”

 

To help emergency personnel help the community, Pines Education Institute is offering a free Alzheimer’s Dementia training on March 19, 2012. Facilitated by nationally acclaimed Dementia Caregiving Expert Teepa Snow, the seminar will focus specifically on techniques to reduce distress and resistance of people with dementia for law enforcement officers, fire fighters, EMTs, 911 Dispatchers, and emergency room personnel.

This seminar is part of Pines’ 2012 Alzheimer’s Dementia Caregiving Conference.

 

 

For more information and registration please visit www.pinesofsarasota.org/responders.

For more information about the Caregiver Conference please visit www.pinesofsarasota.org/caregiver.

 

 

 

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