Patients with autism, dementia, or behavioral conditions present unique challenges for prehospital providers. Communication barriers, sensory sensitivities, altered cognition, and behavioral responses can complicate assessment and delay recognition of serious medical conditions. In the field, these encounters may quickly escalate if providers are not prepared to recognize underlying conditions and adapt their communication and clinical approach.

We are pleased to welcome a new voice to our group of distinguished speakers, Dr. Luke Nankee.

Dr. Nankee is a psychiatrist specializing in behavioral health, neurodevelopmental conditions, and complex psychiatric presentations. His clinical and academic work focuses on the intersection of mental health, cognitive disorders, and medical care. Through his work at the University of Wisconsin Department of Psychiatry, he contributes to clinical care, teaching, and interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at improving care for patients with psychiatric and behavioral health needs across healthcare systems.

Global Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this activity, prehospital providers will be able to:

1. Identify common behavioral and communication patterns associated with autism spectrum disorder and dementia during EMS encounters.

2. Describe key assessment considerations when evaluating patients with cognitive impairment or behavioral health conditions in the prehospital environment.

3. Apply practical communication strategies to improve patient cooperation, reduce escalation, and enhance patient safety during EMS care.

4. Recognize situations where behavioral presentation may mask underlying medical illness requiring urgent evaluation and transport

Target Audience

This activity is designed for:

• Emergency Medical Responders (EMR)
• Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
• Advanced Emergency Medical Technicians (AEMT)
• Paramedics
• Critical Care Paramedics

Additional participants may include emergency department clinicians, nurses, advanced practice providers, physicians, and other healthcare professionals involved in emergency and prehospital care.

EMS Continuing Education Credit

This continuing education activity is approved by the Commission on Accreditation for Prehospital Continuing Education (CAPCE) for 1.0 hour of Basic and Advanced level EMS continuing education credit.

EMS providers who successfully complete this activity will receive credit that may be applied toward National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) recertification requirements, in accordance with CAPCE guidelines.

EMS participants seeking CAPCE credit must complete the required course evaluation and provide their National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) number or National EMS ID when requested.

Upon verification of participation and completion of the evaluation, the accredited provider will report the continuing education record to the CAPCE Activity Management System, where it becomes available for EMS professionals to apply toward their NREMT recertification or applicable state continuing education requirements.

Cost:

This educational activity is provided free of charge to participants.

To register for the live event follow this link: “Invisible Barriers”: Autism, Dementia, and Behavioral Challenges in EMS