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The purpose of this informative wall is to provide communication tips with patients who are apart of special populations.

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Patients who have disabilities or particular needs are considered a part of special populations. Paramedics who encounter patients with special needs must perform accurate clinical assessments and advocate for the patient, but the paramedic must also communicate properly both verbally and non verbally.

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Patients with special needs may be those with hearing impairments, physical challenges, speech impairments, visual impairments and cognitive disabilities.

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Upon interviewing a professional (and caretaker of an individual who has special needs), they have multiple techniques they prefer to use when getting to know a new student coming in to their class. These techniques can be used when a paramedic is coming in to a household and being met by a caretaker.

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The paramedic's approach is important. Initially, if the caretaker is at the door, it is ideal to question the caretaker first.
If the patient is more independent they may likely be a good source of information, however the caretaker is best person as they are very familiar with the individual's normal requirement, possible triggers and do's and don'ts of communicating with them.

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It's best to have the caretaker or parent present during your introduction. It is important that you treat this individual like any other patient and rid your mind of stigma and judgement towards their condition. The only information you know about their condition thus far is the information given to you by the caretaker.

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- Do they have any conditions that should change our approach?
- What's the best way to communicate with them?
- Can they work with us?
- What's their normal?
- Main challenges?

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- Be on their level
- Some patient's may have specific ways of communicating, so if you notice, get the caretaker involved
- Written communication may be required
- Machine equipment may be required
- Some patient's with cognitive impairments may not want to make eye contact, and if this is the case, respect that and find a way to communicate with them without making eye contact

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Some patient's may appear to be a certain age but cognitively may be on a different maturity level. It is important to bear this in mind. Paramedics in uniform can be scary for some patient's.
"What are some characteristics you'd like to see in a paramedic as they treat your child?"
"Remain calm! I'm freaking out on the inside and sometimes I need direction on the information you need so I can help you to help them. If you stay calm, I'll stay calm, and if I stay calm I'm of better use to you to keep them calm."

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If a patient is being uncooperative, some techniques that this professional uses are the following:
- Give them something to focus on that they know. "Look at mom/dad's face, or look at your bear. Now, show them how good you can breathe, and take a big drink of air, or show them how well you can calm down" usually works. You're directing them to do something but you're providing something that will comfort or that is familiar to them

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The key is not to manipulate the patient into liking you, but it'd be preferred to build rapport with them during the call. Here are some tips she recommended if you're having trouble:
- Make things seem as though they are their idea. If they are resistant to your idea, you've already lost the battle
- Do not minimize their feelings by saying things like "It'll be over soon" or "you'll be fine" and instead acknowledge what they're feeling "you're tired, you want to go home" or "you're scared, and that's okay we are here to help you". This way they can see that you're paying attention to their feelings
- Act on the information provided to you, and do not be abrupt (unless there are immediate interventions that must be addressed)

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At times, caretakers and parents will forget pertinent information in a time of distress for them. Most parents will actually have steps to take in emergencies and have things put together. Ask the parents if they have any steps to take, or lists to follow in times of emergency to help them get coordinated. This could include information the hospital generally requires, allergies, medication lists, and important facts the parents may forget to mention off the top of their heads.

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This case study implements some of the things discussed in this padlet.

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Special Populations patients are still patients, and still deserved to be addressed and treated appropriately. As with anything, team work makes the dream work and it is important to collaborate with caretakers in order to have the best possible plan and approach to advocate and care for this patient to the best of your abilities.

Information for this padlet was obtained through interview with a professional on this topic and in early childhood development.