Dementia Australia undertook comprehensive scoping with four emergency services organisations to discuss dementia training needs, identify challenges, and determine the most effective solutions. This led to the development of video-based micro-learning, drawing on lessons and content from the Virtual Reality tool.

A key focus was addressing the significant disparity between each First Responder organisation’s operational experiences and service provision when working with people living with dementia. This work resulted in a pilot program designed to test and evaluate training, with the potential for broader implementation across the workforce.

Following this, we commenced research and development to create video-based education in collaboration with a filming provider (Gravity Films). A production schedule has since been confirmed, with final delivery to First Responders scheduled for 1 July 2025.

Due to significant time constraints, face-to-face training using Virtual Reality is largely unfeasible, as most services only conduct one annual mandatory training day. Strict governance over training content is also a consideration for all services. However, all organisations currently provide online training options, such as e-learning modules and help sheets. Video-based micro-learning using case studies or scenarios that mirror real-world operations was universally well-received.

The D-Esc project continues to have a significant impact on how behavioural emergencies are addressed in aged care homes, and we fully expect this will have the same effect with First Responders.

• The number of aged care staff trained so far in D-Esc: 4,719.
• The number of people living with dementia impacted by D-Esc training: While an exact figure cannot be determined, estimates based on the number of residents in participating aged care facilities suggest approximately 10,000 people have been impacted. An ongoing evaluation will provide further insights.
• The number of aged care facilities Dementia Australia expects to deliver training to by June 2025 is approximately 673, further impacting people living with dementia.

Based on these numbers and the strong response received, D-Esc has proven to be one of our most popular and well-attended innovative training solutions. We currently have over 300 facilities on our national waitlist.

Prepared by:
Charles Rozario, Philanthropy Specialist

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