Frontline workers are being offered crucial training on how to empathetically and safely care for dementia patients in emergency situations.
The "pioneering" first responders' course aims to equip emergency workers with knowledge about the disease and its impact, teaching them how to effectively and appropriately treat people with dementia under pressure.
More than 400,000 people are living with dementia in Australia and that number is expected to double by 2058.
Launched by Dementia Training Australia and funded by the Commonwealth government, the "revolutionary" course covers dementia symptoms, its impact on the brain and behaviour and its unique challenges in emergency settings.
The free one-hour program is available online and features interactive content and insights from experts in the field.
Dementia Training Australia's Ellie Newman says first responders will be empowered with practical tools to empathetically and safely handle patients to prevent situations escalating.
"Currently, we are asking our first responders to handle situations they are not fully prepared for," she said.
"Many may have never encountered a person with dementia or witnessed the various behavioural changes that may occur."
COTA Australia, the leading advocacy group for older Australians labelled the program "crucial" to ensure the dignity and safety of everyone involved.
Responding to people with dementia in emergencies requires unique skills, chief executive Patricia Sparrow said.
“Unfortunately we’re always going to see circumstances where our first responders are called to emergency situations involving people with dementia," she said.
"It’s important everyone has the skills to make sure everyone is kept as safe as possible when those situations do occur."
