This guide covers essential Spanish phrases that can help ER professionals communicate with Spanish-speaking patients and their families.
1. Initial Greetings and Introduction
Starting with a clear and calming introduction can help establish trust and ease patient anxiety in emergency situations.
- Hola, soy el doctor/la doctora [or] la enfermera/el enfermero.
(Hello, I am the doctor [or] nurse.) - Voy a ayudarlo/la. ¿Cómo se siente?
(I’m here to help. How are you feeling?) - ¿Alguien aquí habla inglés?
(Does anyone here speak English?) - ¿Cuál es su nombre?
(What is your name?)
2. Asking About Symptoms
Understanding the patient’s symptoms is crucial for making a quick diagnosis in the emergency room.
- ¿Qué le pasó?
(What happened to you?) - ¿Dónde le duele?
(Where does it hurt?) - ¿Tiene dolor en el pecho?
(Do you have chest pain?) - ¿El dolor es agudo o sordo?
(Is the pain sharp or dull?) - ¿Tiene dificultad para respirar?
(Do you have difficulty breathing?) - ¿Está mareado/a?
(Are you dizzy?) - ¿Ha tenido fiebre o escalofríos?
(Have you had a fever or chills?)
3. Assessing the Situation
In critical situations, knowing the patient’s medical history and current condition is key to providing the right care.
- ¿Tiene alguna alergia a medicamentos?
(Are you allergic to any medications?) - ¿Toma algún medicamento actualmente?
(Are you currently taking any medication?) - ¿Tiene alguna condición médica, como diabetes o hipertensión?
(Do you have any medical conditions, such as diabetes or high blood pressure?) - ¿Está embarazada?
(Are you pregnant?) - ¿Ha perdido el conocimiento?
(Have you lost consciousness?)
4. Giving Immediate Instructions
In the ER, giving clear instructions can be crucial, especially when it comes to patient safety.
- Por favor, respire profundo.
(Please take a deep breath.) - No se mueva, por favor.
(Please don’t move.) - Acuéstese en la camilla.
(Lie down on the stretcher.) - Voy a ponerle una vía intravenosa.
(I’m going to insert an IV.) - Voy a tomarle la presión.
(I’m going to take your blood pressure.) - Voy a hacerle un electrocardiograma.
(I’m going to perform an EKG.)
5. Emergency Situations
When time is of the essence, using the right emergency phrases can save lives.
- ¿Puede respirar?
(Can you breathe?) - ¿Puede oírme?
(Can you hear me?) - Voy a llamar a un especialista ahora mismo.
(I’m going to call a specialist right now.) - Necesitamos llevarlo/la a cirugía de inmediato.
(We need to take you to surgery immediately.) - Manténgase calmado/a, estamos aquí para ayudarlo/la.
(Stay calm, we are here to help you.)
6. Explaining Procedures
ER professionals must often explain procedures to patients or their families so they understand the next steps in treatment.
- Vamos a hacerle algunos análisis de sangre.
(We’re going to run some blood tests.) - Necesitamos tomarle una radiografía.
(We need to take an X-ray.) - Es posible que necesite cirugía.
(You may need surgery.) - Vamos a darle oxígeno.
(We are going to give you oxygen.) - Estamos esperando los resultados de las pruebas.
(We’re waiting for the test results.)
7. Reassuring Patients and Families
Providing reassurance can help reduce fear and anxiety during emergencies.
- Todo va a estar bien.
(Everything will be fine.) - Estamos haciendo todo lo posible.
(We’re doing everything we can.) - El doctor vendrá en un momento para hablar con usted.
(The doctor will be here in a moment to talk with you.) - No se preocupe, estamos monitoreando su estado.
(Don’t worry, we are monitoring your condition.)
8. Discharge and Follow-Up Instructions
Clear discharge instructions are essential to ensure patients understand how to take care of themselves after leaving the ER.
- Debe tomar este medicamento dos veces al día.
(You should take this medication twice a day.) - Si empeora, regrese al hospital de inmediato.
(If it gets worse, come back to the hospital immediately.) - Haga una cita de seguimiento con su doctor.
(Make a follow-up appointment with your doctor.) - Descanse y beba muchos líquidos.
(Rest and drink plenty of fluids.)
9. Explaining Medications and Treatments
Patients often need guidance on how to use their medications or what treatments they will need.
- Este medicamento puede causarle somnolencia.
(This medication may make you drowsy.) - No conduzca después de tomar este medicamento.
(Do not drive after taking this medication.) - Debe aplicar esta crema en el área afectada.
(You should apply this cream to the affected area.) - Si tiene alguna reacción, llame a su médico.
(If you have any reaction, call your doctor.)
Conclusion
Being able to communicate effectively in Spanish can be a lifesaving skill for emergency room professionals. Mastering these essential phrases ensures that you can gather the right information quickly, explain procedures, and provide instructions to Spanish-speaking patients and their families.
If you want to further enhance your medical Spanish, there are language-learning tools and specialized courses for healthcare professionals that focus on emergency and medical scenarios. Learning just a few critical phrases can greatly improve patient outcomes and ensure everyone receives the care they need, regardless of language barriers.