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Pa. EMT proves deafness is no obstacle

Grabousky, who was born deaf, can speak, read lips and hear some with the assistance of hearing aids

By Lynn Olanoff
The Express-Times

BETHLEHEM, Pa. — Global Medical Transportation Services Ambulance Capt. Don Burslem didn’t know what to think when the person on the other line told him he was on the phone with a deaf person.

How could he hire a deaf emergency medical technician for the Bethlehem-based ambulance company? EMTs need to communicate with their patients, with their partners, with hospital officials over the radio.

But Burslem decided to take a chance on hiring Chad Grabousky, and more than two months later, he’s very glad he did. “His patients love him, our staff loves him, and he actually does a wonderful job in back of the ambulance, better than some of my hearing staff,” Burslem said.

Full story: Deaf EMT ‘better than some hearing staff’ with Bethlehem ambulance company