Real-time video interpreting in emergencies
A technical solution that can save lives when language becomes a barrier
In medical emergencies, every second can make the difference between life and death. But what happens if the patient or the accompanying person does not speak German? In such situations, misunderstandings can lead to a wrong diagnosis or dangerous delays in treatment.
The solution is real-time video interpreting — a tool that is becoming increasingly essential in German emergency departments.
Why is video interpreting important in emergency care?
Refugees, visitors, or people with limited German may not be able to describe symptoms accurately.
In urgent situations, it is not realistic to wait for an on-site interpreter.
Family members who accompany the patient often lack medical terminology.
Machine translation is not medically reliable enough and can distort critical details.
Video interpreting addresses these problems by connecting a professional, trustworthy interpreter with medical expertise within seconds via a tablet or computer screen.
How does the service work in hospitals?
A doctor or nurse requests an interpreter through a dedicated digital system (for example Tolq, SAVD, Sprachmittler24). The interpreter appears immediately in a live video call on a mobile tablet or computer. Then a three-way live interpretation starts between the doctor, the patient, and the interpreter. Privacy is protected: the connection is encrypted and no recording is made.
This service is commonly used in:
Emergency departments
Ambulances
Intensive care units
Delivery rooms
Poisoning cases, strokes, or severe acute pain and other critical situations
Which languages are available?
Major providers offer dozens of languages, including:
| Language | Availability |
|---|---|
| Arabic | available 24/7 in many systems |
| Turkish | available 24/7 |
| Russian | often available |
| Persian, Ukrainian, Polish | depending on the provider |
Phone interpreting vs. video interpreting
| Phone interpreting | Video interpreting |
|---|---|
| Audio only | Live video and audio |
| Body language and visible condition are missing | Facial expressions and visible condition support assessment |
| Usually cheaper | Often more effective in complex medical cases |
That is why video interpreting is often preferred in emergencies.
Is it a patient right or an optional extra?
Legally, hospitals are not explicitly required to provide video interpreting. However, they must ensure that the patient understands the medical information and the treatment (including under Section 630 of the German Civil Code). In practice, many hospitals already use video interpreting, especially in areas with many non-German-speaking patients.
Is there government support for this technology?
In some federal states, funding or projects support video interpreting, for example through financing for rural emergency departments, partnerships with technology and healthcare providers, and training for nursing staff to use the devices safely.
Can patients or companions request a video interpreter themselves?
Yes. You can say:
“Können wir bitte einen Dolmetscher per Video bekommen?”
or simply:
“Ich spreche kein Deutsch – Dolmetscher bitte!”
Conclusion
In emergencies, language should never stand in the way of fast and accurate care. Real-time video interpreting is not a luxury; it is a vital support that can improve patient safety and help prevent dangerous misunderstandings. If you face such a situation, ask for it proactively, because full understanding is often the first step toward proper treatment.
ـ* The editorial team aims to provide accurate information through careful work. Nevertheless, errors may occur or some details may be uncertain. Please treat the information as initial guidance and always consult the responsible authorities for confirmed and binding information.
