Page 34 - Participant Manual

Box 2-1. continued

When the Injured or Ill Person Has a Disability

■ A family member, caregiver or other person ■ If the person has impaired hearing:
who knows the injured or ill person well can ❍ Approach the person from the front.
be a valuable source of information if the
person is not able to speak for him- or herself. ❍ Hearing-impaired people who know
However, if the person is able to understand how to read lips rely on watching your
and answer your questions, speak directly mouth move. Position yourself so that the
to him or her, rather than addressing your person can see your mouth and facial
questions to others who might be present. expressions. Pronounce your words slowly
and clearly, and speak in short sentences.
■ A person with a disability may use a service
animal. Be aware that service animals are ❍ If the person does not seem to understand
trained to protect their owners, and both the what you are saying, change your words,
service animal and the person may become not the volume of your voice, unless you
anxious if they are separated. Allow the service spoke too softly. Shouting sometimes
animal to stay with the person if possible. causes the person more distress and he or
she still may not understand what you are
■ If the person wears an assistive device (e.g., a trying to say.
leg brace), do not remove the device when you
are examining the person. ❍ Use gestures or written messages as
necessary to make your meaning clear.
■ If the person has an intellectual disability:
■ If the person has impaired vision:
❍ Address the person as you would any other
person in his or her age group. If the person ❍ Speak in a normal voice. It is not
does not seem to understand you, rephrase necessary to shout.
your statement or question in simpler terms. ❍ As you provide care, describe what you

❍ Be aware that being injured or becoming are doing.
suddenly ill may make the person very
upset, anxious or fearful. Take time to
explain who you are and what you intend to
do, and reassure the person.

When the Injured or Ill Person Speaks a Different
Language

■ Speak in a normal voice. It is not necessary to ■ When you call 9-1-1 or the designated
shout. emergency number, explain that you are having
difficulty communicating with the person,
■ Find out if any bystanders speak the person’s
language and can assist by translating. and tell the dispatcher which language you
believe the person speaks. The dispatcher may
■ Do your best to communicate nonverbally, have someone available who can help with
using gestures and facial expressions. communication.

Safety First! Sometimes people who have been injured or become suddenly ill may act © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved.
strangely; be uncooperative; or become violent, angry or aggressive. This behavior can be
the result of the injury or illness or other factors, such as the effects of drugs, alcohol or
medications. Do not take this behavior personally. If you feel threatened by the person’s
behavior, move away from the person to safety and call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency
number, if you have not already done so.

Chapter 2 Checking an Injured or Ill Person | 26 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual Chapter 2 Checking an Injured or Ill Person | 27 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual