Increasingly Diverse Cultures and the Modern Paramedic
As I was saying, Paramedics are facing new and very foreign cultures every day.
Sometimes foreigners speak English, especially the younger generation, however a majority of the time they don't.
What is the most effective way to deal with this situation in an emergency? One Language commonly faced out in the field is Spanish.
Most of us took a little Spanish in high school, enough to say hi and thank you, but these terms seem useless in an emergency situation.
It is very hard to communicate effectively using medical terminology.
I guess that's why the hospitals pay out big bucks for translators.
Police chief Billy Phelps ended up delivering a baby because the 911 communicators had a language barrier with a Hispanic caller.
Are there any resources for paramedics to help in this situation, which often makes us feel vulnerable and incompetent? One major resource is something that you used in school for sure and probably use in the field.
That is the pocket field guidebook we carry.
Many people do not realize that in the back are many common Spanish phrases, as well as medical terminology to help guide you through your assessment.
Another "language" is ASL.
ASL is growing fast in the United States.
ASL or American Sign Language is used by most deaf people.
This one may not be as hard to communicate as others are, but it does take some creativity.
So what resources are available? well, if your service is rich, you can invest in some picture pamphlets that allow the deaf person to point to where it hurts and point out what kind of pain.
It also allows them to point out their signs and symptoms, pretty much anything in your SAMPLE history.
Otherwise you can get creative.
Draw a person on a piece of paper and have them point to where they hurt.
Remember too that some deaf people can read lips, but be careful not to assume this.
When asking if they do, make sure to look straight at them, at their level, and enunciate clearly.
You may ask family members to translate, but remember that the patient may leave out embarrassing details that may be important to you.
And there's always pulling out a piece of paper and a pen, but this is time consuming.
Language barriers are quickly becoming a part of every paramedics job, from big cities to rural areas.
Don't let it intimidate you.
Just be prepared to use common sense and a little critical thinking.
Please, Please, Please don't be a paragod when it comes to this, Humility is a desired quality in a paramedic.
DO NOT be afraid to ask for help! Our job is always changing and presenting new problems, but that's what draws us to it.
Developing three qualities will save you a lot of stress in this situation: humility, Being adaptable, impartial.
Remember a patient is a patient no matter who they are.
Culture diversity may be new to you, and you may never face a foreign language, but if you do, you CAN succeed!
Sometimes foreigners speak English, especially the younger generation, however a majority of the time they don't.
What is the most effective way to deal with this situation in an emergency? One Language commonly faced out in the field is Spanish.
Most of us took a little Spanish in high school, enough to say hi and thank you, but these terms seem useless in an emergency situation.
It is very hard to communicate effectively using medical terminology.
I guess that's why the hospitals pay out big bucks for translators.
Police chief Billy Phelps ended up delivering a baby because the 911 communicators had a language barrier with a Hispanic caller.
Are there any resources for paramedics to help in this situation, which often makes us feel vulnerable and incompetent? One major resource is something that you used in school for sure and probably use in the field.
That is the pocket field guidebook we carry.
Many people do not realize that in the back are many common Spanish phrases, as well as medical terminology to help guide you through your assessment.
Another "language" is ASL.
ASL is growing fast in the United States.
ASL or American Sign Language is used by most deaf people.
This one may not be as hard to communicate as others are, but it does take some creativity.
So what resources are available? well, if your service is rich, you can invest in some picture pamphlets that allow the deaf person to point to where it hurts and point out what kind of pain.
It also allows them to point out their signs and symptoms, pretty much anything in your SAMPLE history.
Otherwise you can get creative.
Draw a person on a piece of paper and have them point to where they hurt.
Remember too that some deaf people can read lips, but be careful not to assume this.
When asking if they do, make sure to look straight at them, at their level, and enunciate clearly.
You may ask family members to translate, but remember that the patient may leave out embarrassing details that may be important to you.
And there's always pulling out a piece of paper and a pen, but this is time consuming.
Language barriers are quickly becoming a part of every paramedics job, from big cities to rural areas.
Don't let it intimidate you.
Just be prepared to use common sense and a little critical thinking.
Please, Please, Please don't be a paragod when it comes to this, Humility is a desired quality in a paramedic.
DO NOT be afraid to ask for help! Our job is always changing and presenting new problems, but that's what draws us to it.
Developing three qualities will save you a lot of stress in this situation: humility, Being adaptable, impartial.
Remember a patient is a patient no matter who they are.
Culture diversity may be new to you, and you may never face a foreign language, but if you do, you CAN succeed!
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