Emergency services in dementia pledge
POLICE officers, fire crews and ambulance staff have signed a pledge to train up officers to help residents with dementia.
Leaders of Cheshire Constabulary, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and North West Ambulance Service have signed a commitment to support people in the community who are living with dementia.
They say that as officers are called to people’s homes they are able to spot when residents are unwell and report concerns to keep people safe.
The pledge, named the Emergency Services Strategic Commitment on Dementia, means more training for officers to spot the warning signs of dementia and how to deal with them.
Janette McCormick, acting chief constable of Cheshire Constabulary, said: “Dementia touches the lives of millions of people and many of these people come into contact with the police. That is why we have already undertaken a large amount of work to support people living with the condition. This includes a scheme to give our officers and staff specialist knowledge when dealing with people with dementia.
“We have also rolled out the Herbert Protocol, for carers to complete an online form listing vital information should relatives ever go missing.”
The agencies promise to have procedures in place to support colleagues who become carers or develop dementia themselves.
Paul Hancock, chief officer of Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service carries out thousands of visits each year to the homes of vulnerable people, including those with dementia, as part of our Safe and Well strategy.
“We are always looking to improve the service we provide to the most vulnerable and this commitment with our partners is an important step to doing that.”
Derek Cartwright QAM, chief executive of North West Ambulance Service, said: “Dementia touches so many lives and our frontline crews are often the first point of call when people simply do not know where else to turn.
“I hope we can work together to improve the care of dementia sufferers and ensure they receive the support they and their loved ones need.”
To register a friend or family member on the Herbert Protocol visit c h e s h i re. p o l i c e. u k / advice- and- support / missing-persons/herbertprotocol/.