Communication actually happens in three parts. There is Encoding, decoding, and feedback. A message is sent or spoken from the EMT to the patient. The patient will decipher or decode the message and then give feedback.
Body language from an EMT to a patient can say many things. How would you feel if someone folded their arms when they were talking to you? Do you think that a child would feel unsure if you were standing above them while talking to them? Should you ever touch a patient in a comforting way?
One of the most caring scenes that has happened in Fort Worth, Texas was when a Firefighter kissed the temple of an older African American woman. I would assume that this station has had quite a history with this patient for him to be able to do this. It just shows that patients are looking for compassion when an EMT comes to their aid. A soft touch on the shoulder or arm can do wonders. If you are unsure be sure to ask.
It’s also important to either sit, squat, or kneel at the patients level. As always eye contact is important. By doing these things an EMT will not look aggressive to the adult or child patient.
Above all remember how you would feel if the places were switched.
An Emergency Medical Technician comes to a scene and finds out that the patient is deaf. How is the EMT going to communicate with the patient? There are actually several ways that an EMT can communicate with the patient.
An EMT can find someone that knows sign language. Honestly I believe that all EMT’s that go to scenes should know sign language and at least the second largest language spoken in the city that they work in. If the Paramedic works nationally then maybe a fourth language should be learn.
If an EMT is dealing with a deaf patient they can ask the patient if they can read lips, find someone that knows sign language, or use a tablet to communicate with.
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