Bilingual

[46Young]

One more comment about this little letter. It was written by a citizen whose affiliations are not known nor is the intent which could purely have been for humor. Don't believe everything you read as the matter with getting a DL is still a difficult issue for illegals so that letter has a few false statements.

I did say it was amusing, and not a legit news article.

 

[VentMedic]

If this treatment were so easily available, then why are illegals coming here for treatment? Are these countries to which you refer third world, or industrialized? I'm referring to third world countries. Also, I can't believe that the numbers of Americans seeking care in other countries is anywhere the numbers of illegals receiving treatment here.

You are only thinking of illegals as one type which is probably the Mexicans and that is very stereotyped.

We boast this country to be the land of opportunity. Others may come here to seek shelter from the violence and wars in their country. Not all citizens of warring countries are granted entrance into the U.S. legally.

Yes, Americans can get some type of medical care in what you might call a third world country if they become sick or injured. Once stabilized they may be airlifted back to the U.S. or not.

Florida's numbers are high for health care but do you know which administrations led the way for that and why?

 

[VentMedic]

I did say it was amusing, and not a legit news article.

But your posts appear that you hold that to be the gospel truth.

Again, if you want to bash illegals do on another thread.

The fact that someone speaks another language, one should not immediately assume they are illegal.

If the person is sick and injured, you should provide healthcare regardless of how much you feel you are contributing to condoning illegals coming into this country.

If someone lists themselves as Hispanic you should not automatically think they are out for personal gain. Like those who list themselves as Black, it just might be difficult for them to hide that fact and say they are White.

If you can not treat your patients by their injuries or illnesses without judging them for the language they speak, their nationality or color of their skin, then maybe a factory job packaging non-human widgets might be more your type.

 

[medic417]

You don't know the actual percentage of Americans who don't have insurance that are treated in another country. Yes, Americans of all types from students to tax evaders travel to different countries and don't alway have insurance.

If this treatment were so easily available, then why are illegals coming here for treatment? Are these countries to which you refer third world, or industrialized? I'm referring to third world countries. Also, I can't believe that the numbers of Americans seeking care in other countries is anywhere the numbers of illegals receiving treatment here.

Actually because so many USA citizens cross for care it has driven costs for locals beyond reach. Also illegals actually use very little tax supported resources as they fear capture and deportation so they only get medical care when it becomes a true emergency.

As to how many USA citizens cross over you obviously don't spend anytime near ground ports of entrys.

 

[VentMedic]

Here's a good page of articles:

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526140844.htm

including:

Nearly One Million Californians Seek Medical Care In Mexico Annually
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090526140844.htm

Lack Of Insurance Drives El Paso, Texas, Residents Across The Mexican Border For Healthcare
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220164955.htm

Being Born In The USA May Not Be Good For Hispanic Health
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/07/070709171534.htm

Medical Students Get Training In Spanish


Cuba Has Better Medical Care Than the U.S.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/blake-fleetwood/cuba-has-better-medical-c_b_19664.html

Figures from the World Health Organization clearly show that The United States lags behind 36 other countries in overall health system performance ranging from infant mortality, to adult mortality, to life expectancy.

20 countries in Europe and four countries in Asia have a better life expectancy than the U.S. If you are a male between the ages of 15 and 59, your chances of dying are higher in the U.S. (140 per thousand) than in Canada, 95, Costa Rica 127, Chile 134, and Cuba, 138.

The figures from the above article are nothing new. We have known about the infant mortality rates in the U.S. as compared to other countries for a long time.


In summary, being bilingual might be useful if you need to seek medical outside of the U.S. Even some in EMS may not have insurance due to part time status or inability to find a job or just inbetween jobs. Of course, if you do end up ill or injured in another country with only your English, it might be nice if the residents of that country don't have the same narrow minded opinions about foreigners as some on this forum have expressed.