Lynda Culver Sen. Lynda Culver, R-Shamokin Dam, is pictured during a committee meeting recently. Culver is proposing legislation that would require EMS personnel to undergo training to interact with individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

Legislation is being drafted in the state Senate that would require EMS personnel to undergo training to interact with individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.

Sen. Lynda Culver, R-Shamokin Dam, is circulating a co-sponsorship memorandum for legislation that is similar to a bill signed into law in Virginia in 2024. Culver said dementia-related confusion can appear as a psychiatric crisis or noncompliance, making it important that EMS providers are able to recognize cognitive impairment and communicate effectively during emergencies. Departments can go through voluntary programs, such as those offered by the Alzheimer’s Association or Dementia Friendly Training, to equip responders to handle situations involving cognitive impairment, but they are not required.

A bipartisan companion bill is being drafted in the state House of Representatives by Democrats Maureen Madden and Kyle Mullins.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 282,000 Pennsylvanians aged 65 years or older live with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Despite this significant and growing population, dementia advocates believe our current EMS training does not guarantee dementia-specific instruction or continuing education. This is a gap that leaves first responders without the tools they need and puts vulnerable Pennsylvanians at risk.

“My legislation would establish baseline training standards on identifying cognitive impairment, effective communication strategies, and de-escalation techniques,” Culver wrote in her co-sponsorship memorandum. “These training requirements build on existing continuing education structures and impose minimal burden on providers or the commonwealth. EMS personnel should comprehensively understand dementia-related behaviors and the procedures needed to keep individuals safe during emergencies.”

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed House Bill 33 into law in 2024 to require dementia-specific training for firefighters and emergency medical services personnel. Effective July 1, 2024, Virginia HB 933 mandates that fire departments and EMS agencies train staff in communicating with, identifying, and treating people with dementia, including alternatives to using restraints.

The training must include topics such as techniques for respectful and effective communication, methods for addressing behavioral symptoms, including alternatives to physical restraint, and protocols for contacting caregivers when an individual is found wandering. It builds on a 2023 law mandating dementia training for law enforcement personnel.

Other states with similar laws include Illinois, which requires EMTs and paramedics to receive one hour of education on Alzheimer’s and dementia symptoms and care, and Ohio, which passed legislation in 2021 requiring police officers and emergency medical service personnel to undergo training on identifying and interacting with individuals with dementia.

Culver wants to add Pennsylvania to the list.

“Please join me in co-sponsoring this effort to close a critical training gap affecting families in every corner of Pennsylvania and ensure our first responders receive the preparation they need and deserve,” Culver wrote.