When it comes to emergency line interpreters, there’s an ongoing need for quality language services. And professionalism is of extreme importance. The need typically arises when limited English-proficient individuals need emergency services and cannot communicate with healthcare professionals. But did you know that emergency line interpreters work in a highly specialized field?
Professional emergency line interpreters are the men and women that help break down linguistic barriers between those in need and emergency respondents. And in doing so, they ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency receive the assistance they need.
Sadly, the need for interpreting this is still widely misunderstood and underrated. So, to help set things straight, we’ve put together a list of some interesting facts that you might not have been aware of when it comes to interpreting in emergency settings!
What are Emergency Line Interpreters?
The title might sound a little misleading. But emergency line interpreters aren’t necessarily the first respondents themselves. They are professional interpreters that work with the emergency services department. This is quite important to note because there are inherent problems that can arise when emergency personnel double as interpreters.
Although some emergency personnel are multilingual, being multilingual does not qualify an individual as an interpreter. Being multilingual is not the same as being a legal interpreter. In many situations, such as courtroom proceedings, the need for much more nuanced language and an impartial interpreter will arise. And it is in these situations that emergency personnel use the services of professional interpreters.
Interpreting for Emergency Services Cover LEP Individuals
In 2013, it was estimated that the U.S. was home to about 61.6 million people that spoke a language other than English at home. Out of that group, roughly 25 million of them were classified as Limited English Proficient. Fast forward almost ten years later. That estimate easily expanded exponentially. And along with it, the demand for professional interpreters has too.
The Price of Miscommunication
In 2015, a CRICO Strategies report indicated that out of 7,149 cases, 30% of medical malpractice lawsuits cite miscommunication. Just another reason why professional interpreting is so important.
Emergency Services Interpreters Promote Equal Access
Interpreters assist healthcare providers in understanding the cultural background of their patients. They also identify how cultural perceptions can influence their health-related decisions. It is also within an interpreter’s duties to educate the healthcare team members on the needs, duties, ethics, and practice protocol when interpreting for emergency situations.
Your Partner for Emergency Line Interpreters
Day Interpreting offers a range of language services to healthcare clients to help them better communicate with their LEP patients. Our certified and highly experienced interpreters are available 24/7, 365 days a year, regardless of whether you need over-the-phone, on-site, or video remote interpreting!
Day Interpreting’s interpretation services provide healthcare organizations with language access solutions to integrate certified interpreters into the healthcare team easily. Our proprietary technology ensures that there are no downtimes during national emergencies. It allows healthcare providers to get connected to qualified and certified interpreters in over 300 languages when and where they need them most.
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