Man with Alzheimer's handcuffed in ambulance - Alzheimer's Society comment

has commented on a man with Alzheimer’s disease being handcuffed in an ambulance.

The society says that an 84-year-old man with Alzheimer’s disease was handcuffed as he was taken to hospital in an ambulance, according to evidence heard by an inquest.

It says Alan Bailey, who had been strapped to the stretcher, was reportedly handcuffed by a police officer after he became agitated on his way to Tameside Hospital. Mr Bailey died some time later following an unrelated fall.

Andrew Chidgey, Alzheimer’s Society director of external affairs said: “People with dementia can sometimes exhibit extreme agitation particularly in times of stress. It is vital that all staff who come into contact with people with dementia are given the skills and training to be able to spot the reasons behind these behaviours so they can address them and hopefully reduce them.

“Heavy handed approaches such as handcuffing should only ever be a last resort.

“Alzheimer’s Society is working with the Association of Chief Police Officers and a range of other organisations as part of the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia to look at how to make communities more dementia friendly. From Preston to Plymouth, from the boardroom to bus drivers, we all have a role to play in ensuring people with dementia are supported to live a good quality life.”