Preparing language interpreters for their role in emergency response

In 2006, the Boston Public Health Commission; DelValle Institute for Emergency Preparedness (EP) and the Boston Area Health Education Center created this training series to introduce clinical Medical Interpreters (MIs) to the concept of emergency preparedness and, to better enable emergency response personnel to facilitate communication with Limited English Speaking (LES) populations, particularly in a chemical, biological, radiological, man-made or naturally occurring disaster. “The Awareness Level EP Training” explored basic concepts of Incident Command Systems (ICS). “EP Specialization” was a two-day course offering a comprehensive examination of ICS and National Incident Management Systems (NIMS). Behavioral health and stress reduction techniques were defined, explored, and demonstrated. The foundations of chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and explosive hazards were also identified. Training in the use of Powered Air Purifying Respirators was conducted during a practical simulation using Personal Protective Equipment. “Revised EP Specialization for Medical Interpreters” placed greater emphasis on practice opportunities in event-specific settings. A Zumroll decontamination tent provided an experience typical to that of chemical disaster recovery conditions. Skilled language consultants led targeted terminology sessions following each day of training in Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole and Vietnamese; prompting discussion and addressing barriers encountered by LES populations. All core trainings included a debriefing activity serving to identify potential obstacles pertaining to language transfer, message integrity and resultant cultural implications. These efforts have begun to cultivate a pool of trained interpreters to be activated in the event of a public health emergency.