New emergency interpreters in Vogelsbergkreis: Help in every language

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In the past few months, the Vogelsberg district, a region in Hesse, has taken a pioneering step to improve communication in emergency situations. At a time when the residents are confronted with different linguistic backgrounds, a program was launched that trained emergency speakers. This is particularly important for the 107,000 inhabitant circle, which is the first in Hesse to provide such interpreters for emergencies.

The impulse for this project came from Björn Preuss von Brincken, the district fire chief and intercultural consultant of the fire brigade. His considerations of how to better have patients and rescue workers can communicate with each other were supported by Antonia Schäfer and Sonja Hartmann from whom we from the variety center. "We quickly understood that special training is necessary to be able to impress effectively in critical moments," says Antonia. The need for a certain language level became the basis of the planning.

The training of emergency language investigators

The training began a year ago when Prussia presented his idea for the first time in a round of language miter. The concept received great approval, and about 15 of the already active interpreters were ready to continue their education. "Many of them already have basic medical knowledge, which is of great advantage in emergencies," he explains. Monthly meetings enabled the participants to treat various topics that are important for communication in an emergency.

The training of the interpreters not only included theoretical knowledge, but also practical exercises. Everyday scenarios, such as burns or heart attacks, were played through in simulation exercises. So each participant was given the opportunity to interpret in realistic situations. Communication with the helpers was practiced, with Preuss von Brinkcken took over the role of the doctor and the interpreters were included over the control center. "We found that communication between the interpreters and the rescue workers worked very well," said the district fire chief.

unique needs in rural areas

The introductions of emergency language investigators are particularly relevant in a rural environment where linguistic barriers occur more often. "More and more people need support because it is not always a family member who speaks German. This is a widespread problem in rural areas," notes Sonja Hartmann. With the training and the use of the interpreters, the initiators hope for a significant improvement in the region.

The need for multilingualism is undisputed in the multicultural society of today and affects all areas of life, especially in critical emergency situations. From September, the new interpreters will take up their tasks and support the rescue workers to ensure that every patient can communicate in an understandable way.

"It was important that we used our existing resources and further expanded the existing network of language interpreters," Antonia concludes. With the training and use of the emergency language investigators, the Vogelsberg district will take on a pioneering role in dealing with linguistic barriers in an emergency.

expansion of intercultural communication

The targeted training also promotes intercultural understanding. The variety of languages that are spoken in the region ranges from Dari to Russian to Ukrainian. Such initiatives are of enormous importance, since they help to facilitate the dialogue between different cultures and to create a feeling of security in the community. The emergency language investigators of the Vogelsbergkreis are an example of how creativity and commitment from challenges can arise.

background of the emergency interpreters-initiative

The initiative for the training of emergency interpreters in Vogelsbergkreis emerged against the background of an increasingly multicultural society. The demographic development in Germany shows that more and more people from different countries live here. According to the Federal Statistical Office, around 21% of the population lived with a migration background in Germany in 2020, and the trend is rising. This creates challenges, especially in emergency situations in which language barriers can quickly lead to misunderstandings and problems.

The requirements for emergency services and medical staff grow, since they not only have to deal with different emergencies, but also have to understand the needs and language of those affected. The Vogelsbergkreis has a special challenge due to its geographical location and the rural character, since it is often lacking in immediate family support.

practical implementation and training content

The training as an emergency interpreter not only includes language skills, but also basic medical knowledge and situational training. The participants were taught how they can effectively communicate in different emergency situations, learning special medical terms in different languages. This includes interpreting for burns, heart attacks and other critical medical emergencies.

In addition, a focus was also on intercultural sensitization. The interpreters not only have to understand the language, but also the cultural background of their clients in order to be able to react appropriately in a stressful situation like an emergency. This is particularly important to avoid misunderstandings and build trust.

future developments and further support

The experiences from the first round of training should be expanded further in the future. It is planned to evaluate the program regularly and, if necessary, adapt it to respond to the needs of the population as best as possible. In addition, cooperation with other organizations and institutions, such as hospitals or technical schools, could be sought to increase the reach of the initiative.

With the increasing number of emergencies and migration in Germany, such projects are becoming increasingly relevant. It could be helpful to check and implement similar models in other regions, whereby the Vogelsberg district could serve as a positive example.

statistical surveys for the demand for interpreting services

According to a study by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) of 2021, the demand for interpreting services increases, particularly in the areas of health and social services. The study showed that 45% of the health service providers surveyed have difficulty communicating with non-German-speaking patients.

This Demand for Translation Services is Expected to Continue to Rise, Particularly as Integration EFFORS Advance and More Migrants Seek Health Care and Emergency Assistance. Therefore, Ongoing Support and Training for Interpreters Will Be Crucial to Meet This Growing Need.