VCU Nursing

This course will provide emergency medical service (EMS) providers with foundational knowledge and skills in care of older adults. Content focuses on the EMS provider's role in advance care planning needs including introduction of the Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment, medical-ethical conversations in end of life, and patient advocacy. Content will also focus on the challenges of living with dementia from both the patient and caregiver perspectives including disease progression, management, communication skills, and community resources. The content aligns with goals set forth in the Dementia State Plan 2020-2024: Building a Dementia Capable Virginia which seeks to incorporate a public health approach to mitigate its impact. As front line workers, EMS providers are uniquely poised to help with early identification for older adults who would benefit from referral and early treatment, thereby reducing disease and disability.