Homeless, Panhandlers & Transients – Update 2024
This session will help Prehospital Care Practitioners, Emergency Nurses & Physicians, Respiratory, X-ray and Lab Technicians better recognize the challenges while caring for panhandlers, transients and the homeless.
Homelessness has become an epidemic in America and impacts almost every major city in the United States. The homeless are some of the sickest patients you will ever care for and often carry and transmit disease from one to another.
Panhandling is illegal in some communities and a challenge for Law Enforcement. It is a growing problem in most U.S. cities and often seen as a nuisance by business owners who don’t want them begging in front of the restaurants and shops. Transients are known for creating challenges for Law Enforcement. Transients are often wanted by the police and don’t stay in any one place for any length of time. While in transit they often steal or engage in illegal activity to survive.
During this session we will discuss how Panhandlers, Transients and the Homeless struggle with mental illness, alcoholism and drug abuse. This session will show how these 3 groups impact Emergency Medical Services, local Emergency Rooms and the cost of health care in the United States.