According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 15 percent of U.S. adults report some trouble hearing. As first responders who work and communicate with the public every day, it’s likely you will come across someone who is deaf or hard of hearing during your career.
Below are 24 words and phrases that will help you communicate with someone who is hearing-impaired and will allow you to provide care more easily until an interpreter can be acquired.
1. Yes
2. No
3. Stop
4. Pain
5. EMT or paramedic
https://frdat.niagara.edu/assets/Signs/EMT.mp4
6. Firefighter
https://frdat.niagara.edu/assets/Signs/Firefighter-online-1.mp4
7. I don’t understand
8. Calm down
https://frdat.niagara.edu/assets/Signs/Calm-Down-online-1.mp4
9. Are you hurt?
10. MEDICINE
11. Do you need help?
12. What is wrong?
https://frdat.niagara.edu/assets/Signs/What-Is-Wrong-online-1.mp4
13. Are you safe?
14. Follow me
15. Ambulance
16. Fire
17. Emergency
18. Evacuate
19. Hospital
20. Oxygen
21. Breathe
22. Heart
23. Bleeding
https://frdat.niagara.edu/assets/Signs/Bleeding-online-1.mp4
24. Accident
https://frdat.niagara.edu/assets/Signs/Accident-online-1.mp4
For additional resources, watch this collaborative video created by Spokane, Washington, emergency services and law enforcement on best practices for first responders when working with members of the community who may be deaf or hard of hearing.
