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National Association of Hispanic Firefighters Endorsement
Brothers
and Sisters,
In
dealing with emergency responses we are increasingly faced with victims who are
members of the largest minority in the US - Hispanics, many of whom have limited
English language skills. In emergency situations, the ability to communicate
clearly and effectively can save lives and reduce risks to ourselves and other
emergency workers. I am sure that many of you who are bilinguial have been
called upon many times to assist in these situations.
Now
we have an opportunity to show leadership in this area by teaching Spanish to
our fellow Firefighters and EMS personnel. For over a year, the NAHF actively
participated in the development of the self-study program "Tactical Spanish
for Firefighters and EMS". Now we have also endorsed the "Instructor
Guide" which enables a bilingual firefighter to lead a classroom
based training course using the self-study program. This approach provides
more structure than self-study aloneand equips students with a flexible learning
tool that they can use whenever they have spare time. This approach has been
tested by Public Safety Language Training who developed the self-study program
and led a number of classroom based courses using the self-study program before
developing the Instructor Guide. You will be certified to teach this course by
Public Safety Language Training.
Previous
teaching experience is not needed as the Instructor Guide includes:
- training
tips and techniques
- scheduling
the classroom sessions
- access
to training materials for download
- guidance
on how to evaluate student progress, and
- two
hours of individual coaching with the developer of this program.
Bilingual
firefighters are uniquely qualified to champion this effort and help our
brothers and sisters improve emergency service to our communities.
If
youa re interested in becoming an instructor, I encourage you to contact
Alejandra Gomez at Public Safety Language Training
E-mail:
alejandra@alejandra.net
Toll
free 1 (888) 343-4883
In
Community Spirit,
Alberto Olmos
President National
Association of Hispanic
Firefighters
February
5th, 2008
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Link
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