Ambulance Services
Supporting emergency responses to people living with dementia
What if dementia-related distress could be
de-escalated in the moment?
Ambulance clinicians frequently encounter people living with dementia during moments of acute distress, crisis or medical emergency. Confusion, fear and unfamiliar environments can cause distress to escalate rapidly, particularly during assessment, treatment or conveyance.
People may resist or refuse care when they do not understand what is happening, increasing risk for patients, carers and staff.
Responses can unintentionally escalate situations, causing…
The 6D Dementia Approach
6D Dementia provides ambulance clinicians with a psychologically informed framework that can be applied in real time, even in high-pressure situations. Using the shared structure:
Staff are supported to understand behaviour as communication, respond calmly and proportionately, and make safer decisions under pressure while maintaining dignity and compassion.
This approach is designed to support ambulance clinicians and services working with people living with dementia in pre-hospital settings.
How delivery works for ambulance services
Training is delivered through short, focused digital learning designed to fit operational demands and shift patterns.
Content is aligned with emergency care contexts and can be supported by optional implementation input to ensure integration with clinical governance, operational procedures and service priorities.
Impact & Evidence
Early use of the approach in health and care settings indicates:
- Increased clinician confidence in responding to dementia-related distress
- Improved confidence in de-escalation and sense-making during complex or pressured situations
- More consistent and reassuring experiences for people living with dementia and those supporting them during emergency contact
The approach is underpinned by a growing body of evidence showing that psychologically informed responses can reduce distress, escalation, support staff wellbeing, and improve experiences of care across urgent and emergency settings.
Explore whether 6D could support you or your setting
Get in touch to request further information.
