You do not have to move from home to assist those affected by disasters. Volunteering at the local office of relief organisations may provide them with much needed support. You may be able to help with campaigning or awareness-raising work and disaster preparedness activities. Note that organisations are unlikely to want new volunteers at the…
Donation of money to established non-governmental agencies is the most efficient way of responding to disasters. Financial contributions allow professional relief organisations to purchase exactly what is most urgently needed and pay for the transportation necessary to distribute these supplies. The supplies can often be purchased locally, reducing transport and storage costs, stimulating local economies,…
Physical therapists can contribute to disaster planning in their own area. Regional and local governments, cities and individual businesses and organisations all plan for emergency situations. Physical therapists should ask themselves: ● Is there a disaster management plan for my practice environment and region? ● Can I contribute to planning for emergencies in my place of practice?…
Physical therapists can contribute to disaster management in many ways, not only before, but also during and after a disaster. They can: ● Contribute to policy development and local disaster planning; ● Work with their member organisation to support the organisation’s disaster management planning; ● Learn about risks and prevention strategies and prepare to react to disasters in…
Most nations have a national disaster management plan. National disaster management plans are aligned to the most commonly experienced disasters in that country or region and the resources available. Look at the disaster management plan for your country and region. Links to the national disaster management plan for Australia and India are provided here as examples. Government funded aid…
Leading international non-governmental agencies work through volunteers to fight poverty in developing countries. Their strong role in development works side by side with the recovery from a disaster and prevention and preparedness for any future disasters. CARE is a humanitarian organisation fighting global poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE’s community-based efforts to improve basic…
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a Swiss-based humanitarian organisation and founding member of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement(1863). It is mandated by the international community to be the guardian and promoter of international humanitarian law, working around the world to provide assistance to people affected by violence. The ICRC provides physical…
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies is the world’s largest humanitarian organization made up of 186 member Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The International Federation’s mission is to improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity. The IFRC coordinates and directs international assistance to victims of…
Publications include the Responsibilities of health-care personnel working in armed conflict and other emergencies and Ethical Principles of health care in times of armed conflict and other emergencies which WCPT supports. Health Care in Danger project: new e-learning module (November 2014). The module introduces health personnel to the principles underpinning ethical considerations when working in…
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in collaboration with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) is the arm of the United Nations responsible for bringing together national and international humanitarian providers to ensure a coherent response to emergencies. OCHA also ensures that a framework is in place within which each provider can contribute to the…