Why Healthcare Workers Freeze During Spanish-Speaking Emergencies
- Spanish Learning Edge
- May 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 19
—And Why It Matters
A comprehensive study analyzing adverse events across six U.S. hospitals revealed a sobering reality: 49.1% of limited English proficient (LEP) patients experienced adverse events involving physical harm—medication errors, patient falls, skin breakdown, injuries during treatment, or equipment issues. Of those harmed, 46.8% suffered moderate temporary harm to death, compared with just 24.4% of English-speaking patients. Most alarming? These adverse events were primarily caused by communication errors (52.4% vs. 35.9% for English speakers).¹ ²
The researchers' conclusion was stark: "Language barriers appear to increase the risks to patient safety."
Picture this reality in your clinic: A Spanish-speaking patient rushes in, clutching their chest and speaking rapidly. Their family members are crying, gesturing frantically. You know this is urgent, but suddenly your mind goes blank. You can't remember even basic Spanish phrases. Your body feels paralyzed. You freeze.
This isn't just an uncomfortable moment—it's a potential contribution to a documented patient safety crisis.
The Science Behind the Freeze Response
When faced with a Spanish-speaking emergency, your brain doesn't distinguish between a charging lion and a language barrier—it just recognizes a threat. Despite the fundamental nature of tonic immobility in anxiety responses, surprisingly little empirical research has focused on the "freeze" response in humans, yet we know that freezing manifests as an inability to communicate, react, or take any action of self-preservation or defense.³ This isn't weakness—it's biology.
Spanish-speaking medical emergencies are particularly likely to trigger this response because they create a perfect storm: high-stakes pressure where you know lives depend on communication but feel linguistically inadequate, professional identity threat where your competence feels questioned, and you're trapped in "situations of entrapment" where you can't escape and trying to fight off the threat feels futile.⁴ You can't run away from a patient in distress, but you also can't effectively "fight" the language barrier.
Breaking Through the Paralysis: How to Unfreeze
Research shows that grounding techniques help control trauma symptoms by turning attention away from thoughts, memories, or worries and refocusing on the present moment.⁵
In the moment, try this:
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding: Name 5 things you see, 4 you touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, 1 you taste.
Movement activation: Wiggle your toes, clap your hands, or relax your shoulders—any movement helps you feel more present.
Before the moment, prepare with:
Memorized emergency phrases until automatic: "¿Dónde le duele?" (Where does it hurt?), "Necesito un intérprete" (I need an interpreter), "Un momento, por favor" (One moment, please), "Más despacio, por favor" (Slower, please), "Respire, tranquilo, estoy aquí" (Breathe, easy/relax, I'm here). Automatic responses bypass the thinking brain that gets overwhelmed under pressure.
Progressive exposure: Start with low-pressure Spanish practice scenarios and gradually work up to more intense situations.
Research consistently demonstrates that basic Spanish communication significantly improves patient outcomes.⁶ While waiting for interpreters, patients report feeling less abandoned when healthcare providers use simple, reassuring phrases in Spanish to maintain connection and reduce anxiety. When you use calming phrases like "Vamos a ayudarle" (We are going to help you), you bridge communication gaps during critical moments.
The freeze response isn't a character flaw—it's a normal reaction to an abnormal situation that our healthcare system hasn't adequately prepared you for. Remember that freezing during Spanish-speaking emergencies reflects the enormous responsibility you feel toward your patients. Hispanic patients deserve better communication, and your desire to provide excellent care, even when feeling linguistically unprepared, speaks to your professional dedication.
With proper training in medical Spanish basics and stress management techniques, you can move from paralysis to confident action. Your patients are counting on you. You've got this.
Subscribe to our newsletter and 🎁receive a FREE Guide with the
Top 10 Spanish Teaching Questions Spanish Students Ask—Answered
© Spanish Learning Edge. Angélica García Genel, Editor.
References
Divi, C., Koss, R. G., Schmaltz, S. P., & Loeb, J. M. (2007). Language proficiency and adverse events in US hospitals: a pilot study. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, 19(2), 60-67.
Sliwinski, K., Kutney-Lee, A., McHugh, M. D., & Lasater, K. B. (2024). A review of disparities in outcomes of hospitalized patients with limited English proficiency: The importance of nursing resources. Journal of Health Care for the Poor and Underserved, 35(1), 359-374.
Bovin, M. J., Jager-Hyman, S., Gold, S. D., Marx, B. P., & Sloan, D. M. (2008). Tonic immobility mediates the influence of peritraumatic fear and perceived inescapability on posttraumatic stress symptom severity among sexual assault survivors. Journal of Traumatic Stress, 21(4), 402-409.
Samshi, H., et al. (2020). Implications of language barriers for healthcare: A systematic review. Oman Medical Journal, 35(2), e122.
Chard, K. M. (2005). An evaluation of cognitive processing therapy for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder related to childhood sexual abuse. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73(5), 965-971.
Karliner, L. S., Jacobs, E. A., Chen, A. H., & Mutha, S. (2007). Do professional interpreters improve clinical care for patients with limited English proficiency? A systematic review of the literature. Health Services Research, 42(2), 727-754.
