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Training prepares response locally, nationally by Cindy Abole Public Relations Lending a hand to victims and families following disasters and emergencies is the goal of the American Red Cross.   So far, 2005 has been the worst year for deadly hurricanes and other disastrous events prompting the need for immediate disaster relief and long-term recovery assistance for thousands of Americans.   Coordinating plans to meet regional and national needs is the responsibility of local Red Cross chapters throughout the United States. Red Cross chapters recruit and train volunteers through local Disaster Services Human Resources (DSHR) System training. The volunteers are equipped with the proper training, knowledge and local experience that is needed to prepare them for deployment when disaster strikes.   It’s a program that MUSC nurse James Weidel was prepared to commit to.   Weidel, who works in MUSC’s joint replacement unit, recently completed the Lowcountry Red Cross disaster health services training in August prior to Hurricane Katrina’s aftermath.   Weidel responded to a “cold call” from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control/Red Cross organizers seeking licensed nursing and medical volunteers for training. Trained Red Cross health service volunteers assess the individual and general health of a community following an emergency or disaster working as a support team with local medical, nursing and public health authorities. Their role as on-site case managers is essential as they may be the first individuals to make contact with disaster relief clients following an event.    “I felt obliged to respond to an important need,” Weidel said, who is currently on the reserve volunteer list because he is a part-time student. “The training was simple and is an important overview of the Red Cross’ role during disasters and other emergencies. The Red Cross holds nurses and other medical personnel in high regard. The experience one gains as a volunteer has the potential to become very rewarding.”   Lowcountry Chapter of the American Red Cross’ Eileen Hadbavny, R.N., teaches disaster health services training and related courses to nurses and medical personnel. Hadbavny, who is with the Red Cross’ Armed Forces Emergency Services Department and International and Disaster Services chair, prepares volunteers for training and deployment to local and national disaster sites.   “The Red Cross’ volunteer goal is to provide primary first aid, assessment and referrals on behalf of needy individuals and families,” said Hadbavny, emphasizing the Red Cross Disaster Health Services rule to follow strict national protocols to ensure consistent service to victims and emergency workers within a disaster area. “We provide shelter, food and health and mental health services to address a person’s basic needs and help them try to resume daily, independent activities.”   In addition to this, the Red Cross provides long-term recovery assistance and other help. To widen their statewide response, the Lowcountry Red Cross will provide service training to Americorps members, a Red Cross affiliate, in October to aid in local emergency and disaster response.   For information about Red Cross Disaster Health Services training, contact Hadbavny at 764-2323.   Friday, Oct. 7, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.