First Responders Day in Nova Scotia

Today, May 1^st, is the third annual First Responders Day in Nova Scotia. First responders are the frontline of emergency response management and play a vital role in keeping our communities safe. It is important, today and every day, that we take time to acknowledge and applaud the invaluable work of first responders.

Looking toward the future, the number of people living with dementia in Nova Scotia is expected to increase by 87% by 2050. This projected increase will inevitably increase the likelihood that a first responder will interact with people living with dementia.

As we head towards this future it is important that we engage in discussions about dementia and increase awareness to reduce stigma. It is important to remember that people living with dementia are unique individuals who deserve to be respected and included in community like all of us.

Given that first responders will most likely encounter people living with dementia in times of crisis, when the need for understanding and compassion is heightened, ensuring they are properly prepared and educated for those situations is a key goal in building a dementia friendly Nova Scotia.

Preparing first responders for interactions with people living with dementia

First responders may encounter a person living with dementia in a variety of ways; the person may be lost, need to evacuate their home due to a natural disaster, experience a medical emergency, or be involved in any number of situations first responders would be called to deal with.

It is important to understand that a person living with dementia may not respond in familiar or expected ways. For example, they may not answer to their name being called, may hide or not be aware that they are lost or how much time has passed.

We want to ensure that first responders have the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize, communicate with, and respond to a person living with dementia who may need assistance, in ways that maintain their dignity and personhood. In pursuit of this goal we offer Dementia Friendly First Responders training, along with the First Responder Handbook developed by the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

The training sessions include education on what dementia is, possible signs and symptoms, information on disorientation and losing one’s way, tips for conducting searches for people living with dementia, communication tips, and tips for bringing the person home.

10 communication tips for dementia friendly interactions:

1. Identify yourself.
2. Establish a calm, caring atmosphere.
3. Reduce distractions.
4. Establish and maintain eye contact.
5. Speak slowly and clearly.
6. Ask questions requiring simple answers.
7. Back up your words with actions.
8. Listen actively.
9. Watch for non-verbal cues.
10. Repeat and rephrase responses.

If you are a first responder and would like to arrange training for yourself and your colleagues, please contact Samantha Morrison, Dementia Friendly Communities Lead at [email protected].