In an emergency, every second counts. But what if words can’t be heard? For the deaf community, this isn’t a hypothetical question but a real-life concern that amplifies the already high stakes of emergency situations.
Some Food for Thought
Imagine sitting in your car pulled to the side of the road with flashing lights behind you. A police cruiser sits in your rearview mirror with an officer quickly approaching, but you are deaf. Your heart races, not just from the surprise of being pulled over, but from the fear of being misunderstood. You wonder, “What if I can’t make the officer understand that I’m deaf? What if my inability to communicate is mistaken for non-compliance?”
This fear isn’t just limited to police encounters. Think of a medical emergency, where every second counts, but you’re unable to articulate your needs. The ambulance arrives, paramedics rush in, but you can’t communicate with them or them. You’re scared, you might be in life threatening danger, but you can’t convey what’s happening to those there to help.
My college years brought this fear to reality during a routine drill where I was chosen as the person who should pretend to be hurt. The campus officers were practicing their response to a person who passed out. But when they approached me and began asking questions, their questions were met with silence. None of them knew how to communicate with me and I couldn’t respond to tell them what had gone wrong. Because they couldn’t properly assess the situation they proceeded with full restraints and a neck brace, preparing for a scenario far graver than the situation warranted.
Had this been a real emergency, I likely would have been whisked away in an expensive ambulance ride and given expensive and unnecessary medical procedures like MRIs and CAT scans. And for someone with a cochlear implant, MRIs are risky. Imagine all that testing and procedure to find I was simply dehydrated? This incident could have been resolved simply. A notepad, a smartphone app with a video remote interpreting service, or even some basic sign language, but the first responders didn’t turn to any of these tools.
Deaf People’s Rights and the ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a landmark civil rights law that profoundly impacts the lives of Deaf individuals. Under the ADA, Deaf people are entitled to effective communication, which is crucial in emergency scenarios. This means first responders must provide services to Deaf individuals that are as effective as those provided to others.
The law recognizes that effective communication may differ based on the situation’s complexity. For instance, in a high-stress situation, a simple exchange of written notes might suffice. However, in more complex interactions, such as a legal proceeding or a medical emergency requiring detailed explanations, the presence of an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter becomes essential.
The ADA mandates these accommodations not as special privileges but as fundamental rights, ensuring Deaf individuals receive equal access to crucial services.
Yet, even with this law in place, emergency response protocols are often designed without considering the unique needs of the Deaf community in mind, leading to gaps in service that can have dire consequences.
Make Understanding Deaf Culture A Priority
For first responders, the initial step towards effective interaction with Deaf individuals is awareness. Recognizing the possibility of encountering a Deaf person is vital. Once this awareness is established, adapting communication methods becomes key.
Learning basic ASL signs can be a game-changer in many situations. However, it’s not just about the signs themselves; it’s about understanding the nuances of Deaf culture and how communication preferences may vary within the Deaf community. Deaf culture is rich and multifaceted, encompassing a distinct language, values, traditions, and social norms. At the heart of this culture is the use of sign language, which is more than a communication tool—it’s a critical component of identity for many Deaf individuals. Recognizing and respecting this language is the first step towards bridging the communication gap between Deaf and hearing communities.
Historically, the Deaf community has faced numerous barriers and misconceptions, often being viewed through a lens of deficiency rather than difference. By making a conscious effort to understand Deaf culture, first responders can better understand how to communicate with them in moments of stress.
Alternative methods, such as written communication, can also be effective, especially in scenarios where a quick exchange of information is required. In more complex or sensitive situations, ensuring the availability of professional ASL interpreters or using technology like video interpreting services can facilitate better understanding and prevent miscommunication.
What Else Can You Do?
First responders play a critical role in serving all members of the community, including those who are Deaf or hard of hearing. To improve interactions and outcomes, there are several proactive measures they can undertake:
- Familiarize with Departmental Policies: It’s essential for first responders to be well-versed in their department’s policies regarding interactions with Deaf individuals. These policies often provide guidelines on effective communication strategies and legal requirements under the ADA.
- Learn Key ASL Phrases: Basic proficiency in ASL can be invaluable. Learning phrases such as “Are you hurt?”, “Do you need help?”, or “I am a police officer/paramedic” can make a significant difference. Some departments have implemented ASL training sessions as part of their regular training programs, and you can find many helpful resources online like the one EMS1 put together here.
- Use Technology and Interpreting Apps: Technology can bridge the communication gap effectively. Interpreting apps or services like Video Remote Interpreting (VRI) can provide real-time ASL interpretation, making complex conversations more manageable.
- Incorporate Cultural Understanding: Understanding Deaf culture and the nuances of communication preferences within the Deaf community is as important as learning the language itself. This cultural competency can be fostered through workshops, interactions with local Deaf communities, and educational programs.
Examples of Successful Initiatives:
- In some cities, police departments have started carrying “visor cards” that Deaf drivers can use to indicate their communication preferences and primary needs in a traffic stop.
- Fire departments in certain regions have developed training programs where firefighters and paramedics participate in simulated emergency scenarios with Deaf actors, enhancing their understanding and ability to communicate effectively.
- Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in some areas have integrated VRI technology in their ambulances, allowing paramedics to communicate with Deaf patients efficiently during critical moments.
Incorporating these skills and understandings into first responder training ensures the safety and well-being of all community members.
Hands Up Communications Can Help
With both remote and onsite interpreting available we can help first responders communicate quickly and effectively. Schedule an interpreter here to get started.