Local News - June 2002

Emergency officials hit language barriers

By ALICE SMITH, LTN Staff Writer

June 24, 2002 - Going out on an emergency call is difficult enough for police officers, firemen and Emergency Medical Services workers.

When the victim or person involved doesn’t speak English, the situation reaches another level.

Lincoln County’s Hispanic population has jumped in recent years and continues to rise steadily.

According to Census 2000 figures, people of Hispanic or Latino origin comprise 5.7 percent of Lincoln County’s population.

While it can be difficult, local emergency officials are taking steps to make sure Spanish-speaking residents receive the same top-notch treatment and care as others who live in Lincoln.

Lincolnton Police Chief Terry Burgin said that because of the “melting pot” atmosphere of the United States, language barriers exist and can be frustrating.

Some police officers have taken basic Spanish for law enforcement officers.

“The most ideal thing would be if they all understood Spanish,” Burgin said.

Forms telling people their rights are written in both languages.

In emergency situations, dealing with people who don’t speak fluent English is even more complicated.

“As human beings, we all get excited and talk fast,” Burgin said.  Interpreters are available for the police department to call, if the need is especially great.

Lincolnton Fire Chief Don Wise said a few firemen have taken a very basic course in Spanish. The fire department can also use the list of interpreters that the police department keeps.

Ron Rombs, EMS director, said most Emergency Medical Technicians know and understand small amounts of basic Spanish.

“Some speak rather well,” Rombs said.

To be extra careful, the paramedics carry translation and interpretation guides in emergency vehicles.

The guides show a Spanish phrase on one side of the book and the English translation on the other side.

That way, Spanish-speaking people can simply point to the Spanish words, and paramedics can easily know what they are saying.

Rombs said most of the time, there is someone on the scene who is bilingual.

“It’s very seldom that you’ll find an incident that you don’t have someone there that’s fluent in both.”

Family members who can speak English are also helpful.

When verbally communication is impossible, body language can be used to bridge the gap.

Rombs said a lot can be explained by pointing and showing things.

“Most paramedics are very creative people,” he said. “They do whatever.”

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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