Communicating with others from a different cultural background

In an increasingly multicultural landscape, a paramedic will treat individuals with a variety of cultural backgrounds and therefore will need to communicate with a variety of different individuals. However, communication does not necessarily mean understanding. The same scenario may have different interpretations based on an individual’s cultural background. And it is understanding this problem that will help a paramedic receive information better from the patient. Having a basic understanding of the barriers inherit in communicating with others from a different cultural background will help an individual overcome these challenges. By having this basic understanding of the barriers, the paramedic will learn how to better understand the patient and relate this knowledge to understanding the problem being presented resulting in more effective and satisfying treatment. Spencer & Archer (2006) demonstrates how health outcomes deteriorate when health professionals do not provide care that is culturally appropriate. It also explores how cultural misunderstandings may occur through failing to recognize the link between language and culture which could compromise patient safety. This helped me recognize how important understanding the cultural backgrounds in trying to communicate with individuals. As a result, I will try and increase my empathy and patience towards those with a different cultural background and try and improve my knowledge whenever I can.