Emergency personnel have to be able to communicate with someone involved in a critical situation, but that can be difficult or even impossible if the person who needs help can’t hear or can’t speak.
That’s why the Center for Independent Living held a training session Wednesday for firefighters, police, and emergency services. The gathering in Altoona addressed different kinds of hearing loss and what communication works best for them.
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist Leslie Kelly told the group that some people with hearing loss use sign language, some read lips, some can speak, and some can’t.
“I just want to help make them aware, so that they can ask questions, or if they’re not responding well, maybe they’re hard of hearing, if they’re not just in shock,” she said.
Kelly said it’s very important for first responders to know that some people with hearing loss have a cochlear implant that can be dislodged during an accident. Not only can that make it impossible for them to hear, it also makes it dangerous for them to undergo an MRI.
