What health services does the American Red Cross provide during a disaster? Isn this the governments responsibility?
Primary responsibility for the general health of a community following a disaster rests with the local public health authorities and local medical, nursing, and health resources. Ill or injured persons normally look to their own physicians or the usual community health facilities for the type of care they need. The Red Cross supplements the existing community health care system when disasters threaten or strike. Red Cross Disaster Health Services staff deliver first aid and attend to other health-related matters. Based on a person’s needs, the Red Cross may also help pay for certain medical needs, including prescription medicines, medical supplies, and emergency medical treatment. The Red Cross coordinates its disaster health services efforts with those of the local health authorities and the medical and nursing communities. All activities and services provided by Red Cross Disaster Health Services workers reflect quality health care and current professional standards of health care. A
Primary responsibility for the general health of a community following a disaster rests with the local public health authorities and local medical, nursing, and health resources. Ill or injured persons normally look to their own physicians or the usual community health facilities for the type of care they need. The Red Cross supplements the existing community health care system when disasters threaten or strike. Red Cross Disaster Health Services staff deliver first aid and attend to other health-related matters. Based on a person’s needs, the Red Cross may also help pay for certain medical needs, including prescription medicines, medical supplies, and emergency medical treatment.
