Two Ohio lawmakers have introduced legislation that would require first responders to receive Alzheimer’s disease training.
The push comes as dementia is being diagnosed in more people in Ohio and other states.
Ohio House Bill 441 would mandate at least two hours of instruction on how to identify and interact with people who may have cognitive impairment. Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton) and Thomas West (D-Canton) are co-sponsors.
“Making sure that our peace officers and first responders are equipped to identify and effectively interact with Ohioans with dementia is crucial,” West said in a statement.
“Those who are suffering with dementia deserve to have trained professionals looking out for them and working with them at all times,” Plummer added.
