Vixen@f11.n203.z1.fidonet.org (Vixen) (02/21/91)
Index Number: 13687
[This is from the Silent Talk Conference]
Hi Jay,
I think having a deaf paramedic that has excellent sigining skills
would "also" be a wonderful idea. But I would also point out, the
issue of the "signing skill" is what is important, not whether the
paramedic is hearing or deaf! There are many hearing signers who
are as proficient and sometimes even "more" proficient then deaf
signers.
In this case, niether would I think that deafness should, in itself
be the qualifier for a ParaMedic position, if we were to be
dicussing an opening for a "ParaMedic" postion between two
candidates, one hearing, one deaf, but both equally proficient in
sign. In this instance then, the matter should be the EMT skills of
the applicant and apparent attitude to handle stress situations.
All of this because, we are talking about Medical Emergencies and
not concerning ourselves with Hearing-Deaf social issues.
Also, in the emergency situation, on the street, the deaf ParaMedic
may communicate with the deaf patient, but there is a problem if
the hearing members on the EMT team cannot communicate "speedily"
with the deaf member of that same team! A patients life may become
comprimised in seconds if there is not quick communication between
the EMT team members.
Perhaps then, what is needed, is some ASL instruction on the part
of the hearing EMT team members. Here then, I think we have just
found another reason to support the additional work Fran is doing
in just this area.
The caveat to my above expressed concerns, is that I would like to
see a system created where deaf ParaMedics could be hired and work
effectively with an EMT team and thus allowing more hearing
impaired people the availiability of more mainstream employment.
Keepin' the faith!
. Vixen
PostScript: If you have familiarity with deaf ParaMedics and how
they work together, especially in EMT situations, I for one, would
really enjoy hearing more on this. (Karen)
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