Question 911 Emergency Situations

Hello! I am a hearing paramedic and a college student working on my Associate Degree in American Sign Language Interpretation.

I am working on a report about the need of providing a Sign Language interpreter during an Emergency situation. There are many documents related to within the hospital setting, but I am unable to find anything on how to conduct interpretations during the ambulance arrival at the patient's home and during transport.

My question is: What type of communication would you prefer in an emergency situation that requires a paramedic.

Theses are the options I have listed within my report:
-Sign Language Interpreter On-site (which may take too long to arrive if it is a true emergency)
-TTY services
-VRI services
-Using a family member/friend as an interpreter
-Paramedic who knows basic everyday and medical terminology signs

I would appreciate any thoughts you have, positive and negative. Thank you so much in advance.

There isn't a one size fit's all answer for this.

It would depend on the type of emergency, the type of communicate the Hoh/d/Deaf person uses, if they are able and comfortable using written communication etc.

It's impractical to request an interpreter to arrive at the scene, doing so would cost more lives than it would save due to extreme time delays unless they were a certified interpreter that also happened to be an EMT and were riding in an emergency response vehicle in range... something that's just not going to happen on a regular or reliable basis.

It's more important that the EMTs arrive as quickly as possible, start taking vitals, looking for obvious injuries (and signs of surgery, like a CI scar behind either/both ears) and then communicate with whomever is there either verbally, writing or gestures (if there's a family member there, they're most likely able to give at least basic information in an understandable manner even if they're also hoh/d/Deaf... remember all almost all Hoh/d/Deaf people DO write).

While doing this initial questioning, that would be the time to confirm (if possible) that the person wants or needs an ASL interpreter, and for the EMT to re-contact dispatch to confirm again that one HAS been called and WILL be there at the hospital - It's better and easier to immediately call for, then cancel an interpreter if they're not needed, than it is delay calling and not have one available.

It would also be helpful if all EMTs were required to know and were familiar with Fingerspelling (ASL alphabet in USA and Canada). Knowing Fingerspelling would allow basic communication, it would also cause EMTs to be more aware of hand movements that MAY be fingerspelling or signing, but would to the untrained eye look like random movements.


Another way of assisting EMTs would be if there was something like ERIK made available espeically to those who are Hoh/d/Deaf, or who are mute, or have communication challenges etc. E.R.I.K. basically is a form that the person fills out in advance of an emergency, puts the form in a clear pouch with a magnet on the back (which comes with the form) and is attached to the fridge. There is also a red sticker that can be placed on one's front door that indicates there is an E.R.I.K. form on the fridge.

The Form itself contains information with their name, health/medical numbers, emergency contact info, medical info, medications, allergies, who their doctors are, and any additional "notes" they want or need EMTs or Hospitals to know. If there are multiple people living in a home, then they can attach a small photo of themselves so that EMTs can match the picture on the E.R.I.K. form to the person in need.

It would be fantastic if there could be a way to set up various "Get a Form, Fill it out" type events (with interpreters present) where Hoh/d/Deaf etc people could drop in with all their information and fill the paperwork out and have any questions about the form answered at the same time. Then they'd have all the information filled out, know how to make updates or corrections as needed (when medications change etc) and then take it home, stick the sticker on their door and put the clear pouch containing the form on their fridge.

This way, when the EMTs arrive, even if no one is able to communicate, that vital information would be available to the EMT and hospital.

Just an idea

Thank you for the incredible response! I truly love your idea of providing forms prior to an emergency. The issue I have ran into with them, is that people misplace them, or do not update them, but overall they are a luxury that is easily obtained and distributed. Fantastic idea!
I am actually in the process of creating a course for emergency medical providers on basic sign language and medical terminology (ie- Allergies, medications, etc) I am hoping to incorporate the course into all aspects of emergency services- Fire, Police, Hospital Staff not just EMS. What are your thoughts on this Anij? I truly look forward to hearing your opinion.
Thank you!

I believe VRI is best choice.