As a first responder, it’s critical to understand how to best approach situations involving someone with Alzheimer’s disease. Approaching Alzheimer's: First Responder Training program is a free, online training that features high-quality content in an interactive format, developed by the Alzheimer's Association with input from first responders. It can be accessed:
- Anytime day or night, convenient for all shifts and new hires
- By anyone with access to a computer and the internet, making it easy to take from home or work
Sign up for free first responder course
The course has an interactive map that allows you to explore topics relevant to your role. Once you have completed all topics, you can print a certificate celebrating that you are Ready to Respond! Training topics include:
- Briefing (Dementia Overview)
- Wandering
- Driving
- Abuse and Neglect
- Shoplifting
- Disaster Response
Sign Up
To promote the training within your department or agency, use this
downloadable flyer to distribute or post in your breakroom.
The training also includes a downloadable tip sheet, Quick Tips for First Responders. This handy page can be folded to fit in a visor or emergency kit, and includes helpful phone numbers and strategies to help a person with dementia and their family.
Make Your First Response the Right Response
If you encounter a person living with dementia in the community where you protect and serve, would you know how to appropriately adjust your approach? With input from first responders, we developed the free online course: Approaching Alzheimer’s.
Other resources for families in your community:
MedicAlert Law Enforcement Agency Portal (LEAP)
The LEAP program provides FREE enrollment into the MedicAlert program for people living with dementia who are registered through a law enforcement agency's online portal.
Learn More