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Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health
Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health 2/2012

01-04-2012 | Original Paper

Barriers and Facilitators to Using 9-1-1 and Emergency Medical Services in a Limited English Proficiency Chinese Community

Authors: Brandon N. Ong, Mei Po Yip, Sherry Feng, Rebecca Calhoun, Hendrika W. Meischke, Shin-Ping Tu

Published in: Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health | Issue 2/2012

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Abstract

Effective communication during a medical emergency is crucial for an appropriate emergency medical services (EMS) response. This exploratory qualitative study explored intentions to use 9-1-1 in a Chinese speaking community and the barriers and facilitators to accessing EMS. Focus groups with Chinese adults who self-reported limited English proficiency were conducted. An inductive iterative approach was used to categorize and connect themes identified in the discussions. Language difficulties, negative perceptions of EMS, perceived costs of using emergency services, and no previous experience with 9-1-1 were commonly described as barriers to calling EMS during emergencies. Positive past experiences with EMS and encountering an emergency situation perceived as too great to manage alone are common facilitators for calling 9-1-1. Further exploration is necessary to assess barriers to calling 9-1-1 unique to specific communities, test findings, and tailor interventions to improve EMS communication.
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Metadata
Title
Barriers and Facilitators to Using 9-1-1 and Emergency Medical Services in a Limited English Proficiency Chinese Community
Authors
Brandon N. Ong
Mei Po Yip
Sherry Feng
Rebecca Calhoun
Hendrika W. Meischke
Shin-Ping Tu
Publication date
01-04-2012
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health / Issue 2/2012
Print ISSN: 1557-1912
Electronic ISSN: 1557-1920
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10903-011-9449-6

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