Dementia awareness for emergency services

• Confusion about the time or place.
• Difficulty following instructions or answering simple questions.
• Repeating questions or stories.

• Struggles to find words or form coherent sentences.
• Vague or confused responses.

• Wandering or appearing lost.
• Anxiety, fear, or sudden agitation.
• Suspicion or paranoia.
• Unresponsiveness or withdrawal.
• Won’t evacuate or follow instructions.
• Freezing or panicking inappropriately.
• Misinterpreting uniforms or alarms.

• Poor hygiene or dishevelled clothing.
• Visible signs of neglect (malnutrition, untreated injuries).

• Spoiled food, dirty dishes or excess rubbish.
• Misused appliances (e.g. stove left on).
• Items in odd places.
• Presence of prompting notes (‘Eat breakfast’, ‘Your daughter is Sarah’).

Explain slowly and calmly, even if it seems obvious.

Reduce stimulation, give space, use a calm voice.

Turn off sirens/lights where safe; remove helmets/sunglasses.

Use simple steps, pause between them, point or demonstrate.

Be patient, don’t ask to recall details.

Approach gently, explain your role clearly, avoid sudden moves.

• Approach gently from the front and explain what you're doing.
• Learn their name and use it often.
• Introduce yourself and explain why you’re there. Repeat if needed.
• Keep a calm, reassuring expression.
• Maintain soft eye contact and smile when appropriate.

• Speak slowly and clearly.
• Use short, simple sentences.
• Be patient and wait for a response.
• Repeat or rephrase gently if needed.
• Provide reassurance often.

• Avoid crowding and keep a calm, non-threatening posture.
• Position yourself at eye level. Don’t stand over the person.
• Ask permission before touching them.
• Don’t argue or correct. Instead, gently redirect.
• Validate the person’s feelings, even if their facts are incorrect.

• Approach from the front and at eye level.
• Use a calm, friendly tone and open body language.
• Introduce yourself and use their name: ‘Hi John, I’m here to help you get to the hospital.’

• Look for signs of confusion, anxiety, or resistance.
• If distressed, slow down and adjust your approach.

• Use short, reassuring phrases: ‘We’re going to the car now. I’ll stay with you.’
• Avoid jargon, long sentences or abstract ideas.

• Offer calm, positive phrases: ‘You’re safe.’ ‘I’ll stay with you.’ ‘You’re doing great.’
• Acknowledge their feelings, even if the facts are confused.

• Talk through each action as it happens: ‘We’re going to stand up. Then we’ll walk together.’

Gentle guidance or walking. Slide your hand under theirs, palm to palm. Support, don’t grip.

Walking side-by-side. Offer your bent arm. Stand beside them, not in front.

Mild resistance. Light touch on arm or back. Guide with your voice and body.

Assisting to stand. Offer both hands. Lean back slightly, never pull.

When rapport is established. Walk in step, with your hand on their arm or shoulder.

• Seatbelts secure but comfortable.
• Remove trip hazards or loose equipment.

• Turn off sirens, lower noise and light levels.
• Close windows/blinds to reduce visual stimulation.

• ‘We’re here. I’ll help you out now.’
• Give one instruction at a time. Use supportive holds if needed.

• Brief the receiving team: ‘This is Jean. She’s living with dementia and responds well to calm voices and gentle touch.’

• Familiar faces help reduce distress during transitions.