By Leila Merrill
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Legislation to require that EMS providers take an hour of their existing required training time for patient dementia education awaits the governor’s signature, the Journal-Courier reported Monday.
The training would include recognizing symptoms, the care and treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia, and strategies for effective communication.
The Illinois House and Senate passed House Bill 4388.
“This training is especially critical because paramedics are on the front lines when it comes to protecting those living with dementia and as the size of the U.S. population age 65 and older continues to grow, so will the number and proportion of Americans with Alzheimer’s or other dementias,” Alzheimer’s Association Illinois chapter Executive Director Delia Jervier said.