The American Red Cross responds to an emergency every 8 minutes, and will go wherever they are needed. Monday, May 8, is Red Cross Day, a day to celebrate the Red Cross’s global impact and honoring the organization’s 7 principles:
- Humanity
- Impartiality
- Neutrality
- Independence
- Voluntary service
- Unity
- Universality
While many people know that the American Red Cross responds to devastating natural disasters, they also help those who need shelter, hot meals, clean water, and more in times of need. Each year, the Red Cross responds to nearly 66,000 home fire emergencies.
Disaster Relief and Support for First Responders
After such emergencies, the Red Cross is contacted by the local fire department and the non-profit will come and assess the immediate needs of the victims. This may include providing cleanup supplies, food, and clothing. If you cannot stay in your home, the Red Cross will provide shelter services for up to three days.
The vast majority of disasters the Red Cross responds to are single-family home fires, but they also provide immediate support to first responders following a disaster. The Red Cross has 1,300 chapters across the country that help respond to such incidents within two hours of being notified.
After any form of disaster, be it man-made or natural, Red Cross health volunteers, including chiropractors, travel to disaster sites to help those impacted by these disasters. During their time, they monitor the well-being of those staying in Red Cross shelters, provide first aid treatment for injuries, and provide support.
Red Cross disaster health service workers are volunteers and must have a current license or certificate in their field of expertise.
Training and Resources Offered by the Red Cross
Additionally, the Red Cross believes in preparedness by offering training and educational programs. In 1994, the American Chiropractic Association gave the Red Cross a $250,000 grant to train chiropractors in 19 states to teach a course on protecting the back.
In 2013, the American Red Cross announced it had training and resources available for people to learn to treat sports injuries. The non-profit also has programs in first aid applications, swimming and water safety, CPR, and more.
On May 8, we celebrate Red Cross volunteers who selflessly help those most in need.
