For the first time anywhere in the U.S., Transportation Security Administration officers at Sky Harbor Airport are learning how to help travelers living with dementia.
"So during this simulation, we're going to be wearing sunglasses, headphones, and both pairs of gloves," said Calli Carlson with Hospice of the Valley during a recent training session. "It's going to be about an 8-minute experience. So those headphones are going to tell you what to do with your blue bag. Do the best that you can."
She’s leading the agents in a simulation so they experience what it's like to have dementia.
"So this interactive Dementia Moments training is one of the first trainings that has been provided to TSA agents."
This simulation uses special glasses that impair vision, headphones to mimic audio distortion and gloves which affect dexterity.
And the goal is to give agents the tools to better interact with dementia patients at security checkpoints.
Christopher Laco is the transportation security manager at Sky Harbor.
"We're hoping that this is effective and that we can possibly spread this to other airports once we show the benefits of it and how receptive our officers are to this training"
He says this training comes into play during pat-downs. You probably know the drill:
"Back of the hands will be used on the groin and buttocks when hands go up the inside of your thigh. Do you have any medical implants, external or internal? Can you stand for four minutes? Go and put your arms out to the side, palms up."
Information that’s practically impossible for someone with dementia to process, and could lead to a negative outcome.
"We're hoping that this is effective and that we can possibly spread this to other airports once we show the benefits of it and how receptive our officers are to this training."
