Aphasia Awareness Training for Emergency Responders in South Africa: Updated Findings
Faculty Department
Communication Sciences and Disorders
Presentation Type
Powerpoint
Location
H239
Zoom Link
Start Date
February 2025
End Date
February 2025
Description (Abstract)
Purpose: Aphasia is a communication disorder which can impact a person’s ability to both express and understand language and possibly hinder the ability to convey thoughts, concerns, and ideas as well as follow directions. The general public, including first responders, such as paramedics, lack knowledge of aphasia and how to communicate effectively with an individual with aphasia. There are more than two million people with aphasia in the U.S and approximately 200,000 in South Africa. Communication is crucial in emergency situations, and it is critical that first responders are educated about aphasia and how to effectively communicate with persons with aphasia (PWA) through use of various communication strategies. The aim of this study was to conduct a virtual aphasia awareness training for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in South Africa to improve aphasia awareness and train the participants on communication strategies to use in emergency situations.
Method: This study consisted of a 60-minute virtual training as well as a pre-training and post-training survey. Qualified EMTs from the City of Johannesburg EMS Medical Training Academy participated via zoom. Ninety EMTs completed the training and surveys.
Results: Data analysis of the 90 participants to date revealed improved knowledge of aphasia and communication strategies to use in emergency situations post-virtual training. Responses to open-ended questions revealed valuable feedback on ways to improve the training.
Conclusions: An online training for EMTs in South Africa was effective in increasing knowledge of aphasia and communication strategies to use in emergency situations. Survey responses highlighted several ways this type of training can be enhanced. Similar trainings conducted worldwide will improve quality of life of individuals impacted by aphasia as first responders will have a better understanding of aphasia and ways to communicate more effectively in an emergency.
Keywords
aphasia; first responders; education; aphasia awareness
Related Pillar(s)
Service
Aphasia Awareness Training for Emergency Responders in South Africa: Updated Findings
H239
Purpose: Aphasia is a communication disorder which can impact a person’s ability to both express and understand language and possibly hinder the ability to convey thoughts, concerns, and ideas as well as follow directions. The general public, including first responders, such as paramedics, lack knowledge of aphasia and how to communicate effectively with an individual with aphasia. There are more than two million people with aphasia in the U.S and approximately 200,000 in South Africa. Communication is crucial in emergency situations, and it is critical that first responders are educated about aphasia and how to effectively communicate with persons with aphasia (PWA) through use of various communication strategies. The aim of this study was to conduct a virtual aphasia awareness training for Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) in South Africa to improve aphasia awareness and train the participants on communication strategies to use in emergency situations.
Method: This study consisted of a 60-minute virtual training as well as a pre-training and post-training survey. Qualified EMTs from the City of Johannesburg EMS Medical Training Academy participated via zoom. Ninety EMTs completed the training and surveys.
Results: Data analysis of the 90 participants to date revealed improved knowledge of aphasia and communication strategies to use in emergency situations post-virtual training. Responses to open-ended questions revealed valuable feedback on ways to improve the training.
Conclusions: An online training for EMTs in South Africa was effective in increasing knowledge of aphasia and communication strategies to use in emergency situations. Survey responses highlighted several ways this type of training can be enhanced. Similar trainings conducted worldwide will improve quality of life of individuals impacted by aphasia as first responders will have a better understanding of aphasia and ways to communicate more effectively in an emergency.
Short Biography
Kaitlin Brooks is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders at Molloy University. Dr. Brooks is a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist with experience working with adults with speech, language, cognitive and swallowing disorders. Dr. Brooks’ research focuses on improving awareness of aphasia, and other communication disorders, to increase communicative effectiveness between people with communication disorders, their family, friends, medical professionals, emergency staff and the general public.