A project between hearing-impaired colleagues, field operations and our enABLE staff network has led to the launch of new badges and hi-vis inserts designed to help colleagues feel more visible, understood and supported.
With approximately one in three people experiencing some degree of hearing loss during their lifetime, these badges and inserts are designed to help colleagues with hearing impairments feel more visible, understood and supported, featuring the internationally recognised hearing impairment symbol in purple and white.
The new name badges are white in colour and display the purple hearing impairment logo. Two new hi-vis inserts have also been introduced. One features the word “Ambulance” alongside the hearing impairment symbol, while the second displays the words “Hearing Impaired” with the same purple and white logo.
The designs were developed following feedback and collaboration with a dedicated working group of hearing-impaired colleagues, representatives from our enABLE staff network and operational colleagues, helping to ensure the finished products reflect the needs and experiences of those who will use them. Colleagues will be able to choose the badge and hi-vis insert that best suits their individual needs and working environment.
The new additions build on the successful rollout of the yellow “Hello My Name Is” badges, which were introduced for all colleagues in 2024 to support more personalised interactions with patients, colleagues and members of the public.
Advanced Paramedic Practitioner, Jenna from Dartford, who is deaf, proudly modelled the new badges and inserts to showcase the designs and highlight the importance of improving visibility and awareness of hearing impairments.
Richard Harker, Head of Operations, said “This is a great example of field operations working alongside our hearing-impaired colleagues and networks to develop a solution that is right for them. It is important that colleagues have a choice of options that best support their individual needs and these new badges and hi-vis inserts help achieve that.
“The hi-vis inserts will also help alert other emergency services and partner agencies at incidents that a hearing-impaired colleague is present, improving awareness, communication and safety on scene. I am pleased to see this collaborative work result in something that will make a real difference to our colleagues.”
Mat Allwright, enABLE Co-Chair, said: “I am proud to see this initiative become a reality through genuine collaboration with colleagues who have lived experience of hearing impairment. Small changes like these can have a significant impact on how supported, understood and included people feel at work.
“As a network, we are committed to removing barriers, improving accessibility and ensuring every colleague can bring their whole self to work. These new badges and hi-vis inserts are another positive step towards creating a more inclusive workplace for everyone.”
By making hearing impairments more visible, the badges and inserts can help encourage understanding, improve communication and create a more inclusive environment for colleagues and the communities we serve.