PEPPER1048

A good number of deaf people have been killed in chokehold by police officers. ( I have nothing against them and in matter of fact, we consider each other as professional partnership and my prayer is on my lips every single day for not cops but all responders). Why? Deaf tends to frantically tried to use hands saying they just cannot breath. I don't know about the same situation with paramedic but heaven help them since they do not know ASL.Pity. Ok.. now how about this,, if you come across the worst disaster similiar to 9/11 and you come across countless Deaf patients who look at your eyes and pleading you to please communicate in a hurry. Can you do that? NAH! I mean.. come on now. What about a very short person who cannot lift the stretcher? What about a cop with artifcial leg, running after a bad guy? What about this ? I had a DEAF doctor at university who treated me. No.. I mean.. seriously he did. You guys GOT to stop slapping disabled folks with DIS-Ablitity.. and START looking for a disabled responder's ABILITY. In matter of fact, I am sure this Deaf responder would be able to perform a far better than some of your areas that you ARE NOT GOOD at. An EMS director , when he heard about me as a Deaf responder.. he was THRILLED! You wanna know why ? He valued my skill.. he lived in a small city where there was a Deaf campus and he needed a person like me. So... stop and THINK. And be willing to work together as team. Compensate each other for skills they lack. All those responds I have read here, I hear door slamming shut without giving another thought of what Deaf EMS can do rather than what they cannot do.. You certainly missed some wonderful responders. Too bad for you but you know what? this is not going to stop me. I believe in my ablitiy and I can do my job. Ain't giving up just because of you guys have been saying in this forum. I sure as hell ain't going to let this negative perspective stop me from applying as a volunteer. Think it over will ya ? If you have a gut, go read a book " On the Edge" written by a Deaf EMS. Sighs... Next time, before you slam the door.. think. Work together.