Being Deaf or hard of hearing during times of danger can be stressful, frightening and potentially traumatic. Emergencies are difficult for everyone, but Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may experience additional anxiety when communicating with first responders, nurses, doctors and other professionals. They may be unsure how to explain what happened or what support they need. Emergency personnel may not realise that the person is Deaf, and the person may feel uncomfortable disclosing their deafness or asking for accommodations.

Some of the challenges Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may experience during emergencies include:

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EMERGENCY ALERTS

Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may be unable to hear warning signals, particularly when they are outside, in a noisy environment or surrounded by significant background noise. They may miss warnings such as:

• Fire and smoke alarms

• Emergency sirens from police vehicles, ambulances or fire trucks

• Natural disaster warnings

• Verbal instructions or warnings

Being unable to access these warning signals can place a Deaf or hard-of-hearing person in a dangerous situation.

Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may also have reduced awareness of sounds in their surroundings, because many public warning systems rely primarily on sound, which can reduce Deaf and hard-of-hearing people’s access to important safety information; for example, approaching vehicles, shouted warnings and hazards outside a person’s line of sight may not be communicated visually. Providing visual alerts, clear signage and accessible emergency information can help create safer and more inclusive public environments. They may be listening for sounds, watching how other people are behaving and looking for visual information.

They may not hear approaching vehicles, bicycles or other hazards coming from behind them. They may also miss people shouting, verbal warnings or dangers that are outside their field of vision. These situations can occur on streets, in crowded public spaces and in any environment with high levels of noise and activity.

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FIRST RESPONDER COMMUNICATION

Calling Triple Zero (000) or another emergency service can be stressful and difficult for a Deaf or hard-of-hearing person. Communicating over the telephone may be unreliable or inaccessible, particularly if the connection is unclear or the call cuts in and out. Text-based and relay services may provide alternative ways to communicate, but access and availability can vary.

During an emergency, Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may panic or withdraw because they are afraid that they will be unable to communicate with first responders or medical staff. Communication challenges may include:

• People giving verbal instructions while panicking, rushing or constantly moving around

• First responders speaking too quickly or turning away while talking

• Being excluded from group discussions and updates

• Having to rely on other people to notice their communication needs and offer assistance

Communication barriers can become more serious during dangerous situations because people are often moving quickly, speaking rapidly and providing several instructions at once. As a result, Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may miss large amounts of information, misunderstand what is being said or be unable to access spoken information at all. This can make it difficult for them to follow instructions and may leave them feeling uncertain, unsafe or uncomfortable.

Interpreters may not be immediately available during emergencies. A person who communicates primarily through Auslan may have no effective way to communicate if accessible support is unavailable. Even when an interpreter can be arranged, it may take time for them to reach the location. Communication misunderstandings may delay someone’s access to assistance or make it more difficult for them to move away from danger.

First responders should use alternative communication methods when required, including written instructions, gestures, visual information and speech-to-text technology. They should also face the person, speak clearly and confirm that the information has been understood.

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NIGHT-TIME SAFETY

Deaf and hard-of-hearing people who use hearing aids or cochlear implants generally remove their hearing aids or external cochlear implant processors while sleeping. This may leave them with limited hearing or no access to sound. As a result, standard fire or smoke alarms may not wake them.

Accessible alert systems, such as bed shakers and flashing-light alarms, can alert Deaf and hard-of-hearing people through movement or light instead of relying only on sound. Without appropriate equipment, a person may not become aware of an emergency quickly enough to respond safely.

Overall, emergencies can make Deaf and hard-of-hearing people feel isolated, overlooked and unsupported while they are already experiencing fear and stress. Greater awareness and training for medical professionals and first responders could help Deaf and hard-of-hearing people feel safer when asking for assistance and communicating their needs.

Emergencies are stressful for everyone. Slowing down, communicating clearly and providing accessible information can make a significant difference to a Deaf or hard-of-hearing person’s safety and experience.