Intellectual disabilities and Their Impact on Assessment in the Prehospital Setting

Individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) may present with communication, cognitive, sensory, and behavioral differences that can significantly affect interactions with EMS providers during medical or traumatic emergencies. Understanding these differences is essential to ensuring safe, effective, and compassionate care. This session will examine key characteristics of individuals with ID and their implications during an emergency response. Topics will include assessing decision-making capacity and obtaining informed consent, evaluating pain in individuals who may have difficulty expressing discomfort, and practical strategies to support assessment, treatment, and transport. Participants will leave with suggestions to reduce barriers and improve clinical outcomes for this population.