PHOTOS: MDA Teams Conducted A Workshop In The International Red Cross Conference In Geneva

(PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE)

The first minutes after an injury can be critical, especially in a mass-casualty event, in which there are many wounded with significant injuries. Magen David Adom, as Israel’s national society, member of the International Movement of the Red Cross and Emergency Medical Service, has accumulated much experience with response to mass-casualty events.

Within the framework of The Red Cross Red Crescent 31st International Conference which took place in Geneva, a workshop was held last week. Through the workshop, conference members completed a short training that covered the management of the first minutes following the onset of a mass casualty situation including the administration of first aid to the casualties. The event was organized by The American Red Cross, The Philippine Red Cross, and Magen David Adom.

Additionally, during the event, representatives of the American Red Cross, the Philippine Red Cross, and Magen David Adom shared the experience they accumulated in the joint project in the Philippines, in which the partners are involved in enhancing the community’s preparedness in dealing with disastrous events.

Among the participants of the event: Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Aviva Raz Shechter, MDA Director-General, Mr. Eli Bin, the Philippine Red Cross Secretary General, Ms. Elizabeth Zavalla and Executive Director, Policy and Partnerships American Red Cross, Ms. Rebecca Streifler.

MDA Movement affairs director, Uri Shacham: “The inclusion of the community in administering first aid to the wounded in emergency situations is the foundation on which professional response administered by MDA and The Red Cross Societies’ teams, worldwide, is based upon. The workshop, in which the participants took an active role, exemplified how a short lecture in different languages constructs the ability within a community to respond in emergency situations.”

MDA Director-General Eli Bin: “It excites me every time, like the first, to see how with the help of the unique experience that MDA’s medics and paramedics gain, we succeed to impact in the field of first aid and life-saving in many countries worldwide. The fantastic collaboration with The Philippine Red Cross and The American Red Cross allows us to share our knowledge with them and learn from their experiences.”