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Presented by William White, NIC
August 1, 2026
9am - 12pm CT / 10am - 1pm ET
0.3 PS CEUs
Presented in English
Workshop Description:
When a Deaf or hard of hearing caller reaches out to 911 during a medical emergency, interpreters become a critical part of the communication process. These calls are fast-paced, emotionally charged, unpredictable, and often life-impacting. This workshop examines the unique demands placed on sign language interpreters working emergency medical calls through VRS and VRI platforms, with a focus on accuracy, composure, ethical decision-making, and effective communication under pressure. Participants will explore common challenges that arise during EMS-related calls, including managing incomplete information, interpreting highly emotional interactions, navigating medical terminology, supporting communication clarity between callers and dispatchers, and maintaining professional boundaries during crisis situations. Through discussion, scenario-based activities, and practical strategies, interpreters will strengthen their readiness to respond effectively when seconds matter most.
Educational Objectives:
Identify common challenges that arise during emergency medical and 911 calls in VRS/VRI settings.
Apply effective interpreting and ethical decision-making strategies during high-stress medical emergency interactions.
Evaluate communication effectiveness and interpreter performance in emergency medical call scenarios.
Presenter Bio:
Will is a Deaf-Parented Interpreter and has been working as a professional interpreter for 35+ Years. Prior to returning to interpreting as a career, Will worked for more than 5 years with the Knox County 911 Center in Knoxville, TN. During that time he processed 911 calls, dispatched for fire, medical, and police services in his region. Will is now the Director for the American Sign Language - English Interpreting program at Maryville College. He has 2 children, Benaiah and Lyvi, and is married to fellow interpreter Heather White now for 15+ years.
DISCLAIMER:
Should you require any accommodations, please contact us at kayla@signlanguagestudiosllc.com.
This event upholds nondiscriminatory practices and encourages a learning environment of mutual respect and free from bias. Sign Language Studios is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This program will offer 0.3 PS CEUs, at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level.
For a full refund, contact SLS.
Presented by William White, NIC
August 1, 2026
9am - 12pm CT / 10am - 1pm ET
0.3 PS CEUs
Presented in English
Workshop Description:
When a Deaf or hard of hearing caller reaches out to 911 during a medical emergency, interpreters become a critical part of the communication process. These calls are fast-paced, emotionally charged, unpredictable, and often life-impacting. This workshop examines the unique demands placed on sign language interpreters working emergency medical calls through VRS and VRI platforms, with a focus on accuracy, composure, ethical decision-making, and effective communication under pressure. Participants will explore common challenges that arise during EMS-related calls, including managing incomplete information, interpreting highly emotional interactions, navigating medical terminology, supporting communication clarity between callers and dispatchers, and maintaining professional boundaries during crisis situations. Through discussion, scenario-based activities, and practical strategies, interpreters will strengthen their readiness to respond effectively when seconds matter most.
Educational Objectives:
Identify common challenges that arise during emergency medical and 911 calls in VRS/VRI settings.
Apply effective interpreting and ethical decision-making strategies during high-stress medical emergency interactions.
Evaluate communication effectiveness and interpreter performance in emergency medical call scenarios.
Presenter Bio:
Will is a Deaf-Parented Interpreter and has been working as a professional interpreter for 35+ Years. Prior to returning to interpreting as a career, Will worked for more than 5 years with the Knox County 911 Center in Knoxville, TN. During that time he processed 911 calls, dispatched for fire, medical, and police services in his region. Will is now the Director for the American Sign Language - English Interpreting program at Maryville College. He has 2 children, Benaiah and Lyvi, and is married to fellow interpreter Heather White now for 15+ years.
DISCLAIMER:
Should you require any accommodations, please contact us at kayla@signlanguagestudiosllc.com.
This event upholds nondiscriminatory practices and encourages a learning environment of mutual respect and free from bias. Sign Language Studios is an Approved RID CMP Sponsor for Continuing Education Activities. This program will offer 0.3 PS CEUs, at the Little/None Content Knowledge Level.
For a full refund, contact SLS.