Reading Skills for Healthcare Workers

Zaffar is a home health aide and cares for people in their homes.  Frank Hopp is one of his clients and is a 75-year-old man who lives alone.  He is grateful for Zaffar’s help, especially because a year ago, Frank had heart surgery.  He also has some issues with his breathing.

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Zaffar helps Frank with his medications by reminding Frank to take the prescribed amount at the right time.  Zaffar also aids Frank with tasks such as bathing.  Last week when Zaffar visited, Frank was struggling to breathe and looked frightened.  Zaffar’s training had prepared him for an emergency such as this one.  He focused on two things: staying calm and calling emergency medical services by dialing 911.

When the 911 dispatcher answered, Zaffar was prepared with necessary information including his name and his position as home health aide.  He knew the street address of Frank’s house and his home phone number.  

Next, Zaffar took a deep breath and calmly shared Frank’s condition.  Zaffar knew to stay on the phone in case there were other questions or instructions and took the phone with him as he unlocked the front door.  Medical personnel would need quick entry to Frank’s home.

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After the 911 call ended, Zaffar called his supervisor, Pat, because a home health aide is expected to inform a supervisor after an emergency.  Zaffar told Pat what happened, including that he had called 911.  Pat notified Frank’s children.

Zaffar is pleased that Frank has returned to his home after two days in the hospital.  He is also thankful for the training he received that helped prepare him for this emergency.  Likewise, Frank is grateful to have Zaffar as his home health aide.