Best Practices in Emergency Response Language Services

Explore the profound and meaningful impact of qualified language services on emergency response efforts.

This 90-minute roundtable event will take a critical look at the indispensable role of professional translators and interpreters in high-stakes emergency scenarios, providing a holistic view of how language professionals support life-saving efforts in real time.

From the urgency of 911 calls and law enforcement interactions to the intricacies of international communications aboard the International Space Station, or catastrophic events such as Hurricane Katrina and the devastating California fires, professional linguists stand at the nexus of clarity and action. The event will also tackle the unthinkable—mass casualty incidents such as school or mall shootings.

The event will feature a diverse and accomplished group of speakers, including representatives from law enforcement and training sectors, active crisis interpreters, high-stakes political event interpreters, and a 911 dispatcher, among others.

Panel Highlights

This event offers a unique “wide-triangular-lens” approach, showcasing the perspectives of three critical stakeholders:

1. Emergency Responders: Insights from law enforcement representatives, 911 dispatchers, and first responders who rely on clear communication in life-or-death situations.
2. End Users: The voices of those directly affected, providing their experiences and challenges in accessing language support during crises.
3. Professional Interpreters: Real-life accounts from “on-the-ground” crisis interpreters and high-stakes political event linguists, detailing their crucial role in facilitating communication under pressure.

Key Topics

• Tools, practices, and strategies to optimize the linguist’s role during emergencies.
• Legal, ethical, and practical considerations for leveraging technology in language access.
• Regulatory requirements and industry standards for emergency response language services.

Why Should You Attend?

Whether you’re an emergency responder, recipient of emergency services, or professional linguist, this event offers a rare opportunity to:

• Understand the critical intersections of language and emergency response.
• Learn from real-life case studies and expert panelists.
• Stay up to date on regulatory and ethical standards.
• Enhance your ability to contribute meaningfully to emergency response efforts.

This virtual event is open to all professionals involved in or interested in emergency response and language services, and will be simultaneously interpreted into Spanish, Vietnamese, French, and American Sign Language (ASL).

Moderator

Bridget G. Hylak, Event Co-Chair and Administrator of ATA’s Language Technology Division, will moderate the discussion, ensuring a dynamic and engaging session.