Cross Blog

WBTV captures puppies’ story

Friday, July 31, 2009

Click here to watch the story about the puppies who were rescued from a burning home.

Red Cross works with Charlotte Fire Department to help man and puppies

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Photo courtesy of Tyler Shimsky

On Wednesday, Red Cross volunteers responded to a single-home fire on Choyce Avenue, where firefighters from the Charlotte Fire Department were working to extinguish the blaze.

Click here for the WBTV video

According to CFD, just before 10 a.m. Wednesday, the 911 communications center took a call for service for a house fire at 1620 Choyce Ave. Firefighters from nearby station 20 were first to arrive and reported heavy smoke coming from this one-story home. It took 26 firefighters just more than 15 minutes to bring this fire under control.

The male occupant was at home when the fire broke out, and he and a mommy dog were able to escape.

During the primary search, firefighters were able to rescue 9 puppies from their smoke-filled home. Firefighters began using pet oxygen masks to deliver oxygen to the puppies, who quickly recovered.

Volunteers with the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross responded to provide support. The Red Cross provided assistance for basic needs, such as shelter, food and clothing.

Protect your pet! Take a Red Cross Pet First Aid course and learn how to ensure your animals will be safe in the event of an emergency.

New hand-held device helps Red Cross quickly gather, send data in emergencies

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

This article originally appeared in Fosters Daily Record

Photo caption: American Red Cross disaster response volunteer David Crockett (right) who works with the Greater Carolinas Chapter in Charlotte, N.C., and an unidentified man were among those in Portsmouth practicing entering information into a portable electronic device. The devices and software offered by Portsmouth-based Global Relief Technologies are making disaster response quicker and more efficient.

By GEOFF CUNNINGHAM Jr.

PORTSMOUTH — While the most crucial asset of the American Red Cross is still its volunteers, officials say a new hand-held device used during disasters is improving the efficiency by which field responders get information to decision makers.

On Monday a group of Red Cross disaster team leaders from all over the country gathered at Global Relief Technologies (GRT) in Pease International Tradeport to continue training on portable “Rapid Data Management System” units that are being used to track damage following emergencies such as hurricanes and floods.

Portsmouth-based GRT offers the units and software that is allowing the Red Cross and other agencies to be able to send information to a Internet-based information gathering system with the simple touch of a button.

The GPS-enabled hand-held units can take pictures of damaged buildings, be used to create spreadsheets and can even scan bar codes in the event rescued individuals are given identification bracelets.

The units are run largely on cellular technology, but have the capability to use satellite transmissions in the event a disaster knocks out cellular towers in a given region.

GRT Vice President of Emergency Management Adam Cote said the units are used by responders to collect data, which can be instantly posted to a secure website.

Cote said the units provide a quicker way for responders to gather information and get it back to those responsible for deciding where to send critical resources and manpower.

“It’s about getting information from those with boots on the ground to decision-makers. When you get through all the bells and whistles that’s really what we do,” Cote said.

American Red Cross Preparedness and Response Lead Program Manager Greg Tune was among those who traveled to Portsmouth on Monday for continued classes and field exercises aimed at helping them learn how to use the electronic units.

Tune said a handful of Red Cross team leaders spending time at GRT will pass information onto other volunteers so they know how to use them when disaster strikes.

He said the Red Cross has been working with GRT for two years and their 40 hand-held units have already been used to collect 70,000 assessments during disaster responses across the country.

Last year the Red Cross used GRT’s “Rapid Data Management System” in its response to hurricanes Ike, Gustav and Dolly.

Tune said the devices replace a more time-consuming process of collecting data through a paper/clipboard process that requires a lot of data entry and counting.

“It’s always been a manual paper-based system and we’ve been looking for technology for a number of years, but there just wasn’t a single solution,” Tune said.

He said the GRT model is a simple and more immediate solution to his unit’s job, which he described as painting a picture of a disaster for those calling the shots.

Tune said the Red Cross had been looking into an electronic way to collect information since the 1980s, but never found a company offering a do-it-all device and the technical assistance to help link it to their data collection methods.

Upon getting them, Red Cross disaster responders realized how they could help streamline assessment of damage in a given area.

On Monday teams leaders from across the nation attended classes and spent some time outside using the hand-held devices.

GRT provides support to the Red Cross and trains them on how to change their Internet-based collection system so it is tailored to their specific needs. Their Portsmouth-based emergency office also can be used to monitor the system and trouble-shoot during disasters.

Cote said GRT is made up of a number of former military leaders and humanitarian relief workers so he assured many know the type of technology needed on the ground to keep operations moving.

Cote said the business has yet to secure a contract with Federal Emergency Management Agency for use of its devices, but has had conversations with that agency.

My first motorcycle accident

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

From Red Cross Chat
This story was originally posted on morganlinton.com. We’d like to give a hearty, “way to go!” to everyone who’s Red Cross certified and ready. Do you have a story like Morgan’s? Share it with us in the comments.  Below is an excerpt:

First – no, I was not riding a motorcycle and don’t think I ever will. I did, however, witness a motorcycle accident today and was first on the scene to provide assistance. About two months ago I was certified by the Red Cross in CPR and First Aid.

In my class they prepared me for situations like this and I was surprised at how well I was able to handle the pressure. So what happened?

I was dropping my girlfriend off at her lab in UCLA and we stopped to get a tasty burger and In-N-Out Burger. The security guard apparently had just bought a new motorcycle and was showing it to his friend who worked at the restaurant. His friend hopped on the bike and started driving alongside the cars in the drive-through lane.

I turned to my girlfriend and said,

“whenever someone lets a friend test-drive their motorcycle it never turns out well.”

About ten seconds later we hear the distinctive sound of a CRASH. Being trained in First Aid only a short time ago I was prepared for the situation. I jumped-out of my car and grabbed my First Aid kit with CPR mask, gloves, etc. The driver was lying motionless on the ground with his head resting on his hands. Everyone started to run over to him. I pointed to one person and said

“call 911 and tell them to send an ambulance.”

I then started speaking to the victim and asked him where he felt pain. He indicated that his ankle hurt very badly and he felt pain in his shoulders. I told him not to move at all and asked if he was having any trouble breathing. It is also essential that you keep the crowd away and limit the surrounding area to the person on the phone with 911 and yourself. With too many people it could be easy for someone to trip and fall on the victim potentially causing more damage.

In an accident like this you want to keep the person talking as it is likely they are suffering from a concussion along with their other injuries. Obviously breathing is essential so you want to make sure they are able to breathe and be prepared to give CPR if they lose consciousness. I waited with him and continued to keep him talking and focusing on staying awake. The ambulance arrived and they put a neck brace on him, loaded him onto a backboard and took him to the hospital.

It felt good to be able to assist in this situation and I hope that by having this basic training I was able to provide the best possible care until the paramedics arrived. I’m going to call the emergency room tonight and see if I can get an update on his status. I will feel a lot better knowing what the final outcome was.

I would suggest anyone that hasn’t done so already to take the time (and spend the small amount of money) to get certified by Red Cross. It takes only one weekend day and by knowing what to do in an accident you can stay calm and help save someones life. Well, that’s enough excitement for one day! I hope everyone had a great weekend and stay-away from Motorcycles – I hope this is a reminder for everyone about just how dangerous motorcycles are!

Film crew captures Red Cross volunteer’s story

Thursday, July 09, 2009

Birman Productions, based in Los Angeles, is filming a documentary surrounding US Airways Flight 1549, which crashed into the Hudson River in January.

Lori Lightner (pictured), who recently started volunteering with the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross, was on that flight.

Dan Birman, the film company president, and his crew flew across the country to capture Lori’s story.

More photos from the filming
Read Lori’s Story here
Read about Red Cross response to the crash

Lori’s story

Written by Jim Prive, Red Cross Volunteer

Lori Lightner’s trip in January was typical. She and five others from the department store chain flew from Charlotte to New York on business and prepared for the return flight home on Jan. 15. Lori always had reservations about flying, but this day was especially worrisome as the weather was cold and snowy up until just before US Airways Flight 1549 departed.

As a tall woman, Lori always flew in the emergency exit seat on the plane, as it offered extra leg room. When the plane took off that Thursday morning, everything seemed normal. Then, according to reports, a few minutes into the air, the plane flew into a flock of geese, disabling both engines.

Lori recalled that time seemed to stand still until a voice came over the intercom and said, “Brace for impact.”

She said she figured, “This is it,” and began to pray, thinking about how devastating her death would be to her husband, Erik, and her family in California. But Lori said when the plane struck the Hudson River, it wasn’t as bad as she expected. She said it took a minute for passengers to realize they were OK and that they needed to exit the plane. 

Due to Lori’s seat, she was one of the first ones out of the plane and into the icy January waters of the Hudson River. Though she is a strong swimmer, the temperature quickly sapped her strength. When the rescue boats arrived, she was barely able to get herself out of the water and onto the boat. 

Within 30 minutes of splashdown, the Red Cross arrived at the restaurant where Lori and fellow passengers were taken. As one can imagine, people were scared and confused to the point where communicating their statuses with loved ones was difficult.  Therefore, Red Cross volunteers communicated on behalf of the passengers. Lori fondly recalls being assisted by a Red Cross volunteer named Gina, who was speaking with family members via cell phones one by one. Lori recalled Gina saying, “After what you all have been through, we don’t expect you to be able to think. We’re here to help you with that!”

Upon arriving at the restaurant, passengers were offered food and coffee. Lori had no desire for food – she only wanted to get warm, and she didn’t drink coffee. So Gina offered her tea. Unfortunately, Lori – and most of the other passengers – were shivering so badly due to the cold and rattled nerves that they could not hold onto the cups. Red Cross volunteers quickly produced straws.

Passengers were also in need of dry socks. Gina phoned her husband, who was on his way to assist in the Red Cross response, and he picked up athletic socks for the passengers. “You can’t believe how important those socks, a paper gown and a blanket were to me,” Lori said.

Gina and other Red Cross volunteers circulated the crowd to see if anyone had lost any needed medication. Lori said it dawned on her that she had lost her asthma inhaler, which was in her purse on the sinking plane. Again, Gina sprang into action. She contacted a pharmacy, explained the situation and made arrangements for the Red Cross to pay for and pick up the prescription. A short time later, Lori had her inhaler in hand.

The last item Gina gave Lori was a stuffed Mickey Mouse doll.  Lori admits that it was at least 30 years since she slept with a stuffed animal, but it was greatly appreciated that day.

“The Red Cross – and especially Gina – were quickly there and stayed with the passengers until every last one was safely on their way,” Lori said.

Post Splashdown

Lori said her experience caused her to reflect on what is really important in life. After taking time to settle down emotionally, she decided she was going to change the direction of her life. She discussed her ideas with her husband, and after lots of hard work and sacrifices, she came up with a new track for her future. Lori gave up her high-powered career and decided to focus her efforts on starting a family through adoption.

Next, she contacted the Red Cross to find out how she could volunteer with the organization. Before the Flight 1549 incident, Lori admitted she knew a lot about American Red Cross services and had the utmost respect for the organization. One of her aunts was very active with national disaster response, so Lori heard much about the need for Red Cross services. Additionally, Lori was a regular blood donor and dedicated 100 percent of her United Way donation to the Red Cross. She knew the Red Cross is a good steward with donations, having researched that only 6-8 percent of donations goes toward administrative expenses.

Lori said that prior to the crash, she would have liked to volunteer with the Red Cross, but her 60-hour-per-week job prevented that.

Now, having left her job, she has taken many Red Cross training classes and plans to look at all the opportunities there and decide where to focus her efforts.  It might be disaster response, transportation, fundraising or teaching. No matter where she settles, she will bring great Red Cross passion – for hers is truly from the heart!

If I can do it, anyone can

Tuesday, July 07, 2009

From Red Cross Chat

Chris Hemenway, creator of BRIC-A-BRATS comic strip, recently gave blood with his son and daughter in tow. Then he made his experience into a strip.

It was helpful, however, to have Megan there by my side every few minutes asking those thoughtful questions of hers. “Are you going to cry now?”, “That looks like it hurts really bad, daddy!”, “If you pass out, I will be really embarrassed you know, so you’d better not!” After what seemed like hours, they finally drained what felt like 90% of my blood out of me, I got a free Red Sox tee shirt a snack and some juice and we were on our way.

All in all it was a really good experience (even though I’m kind of a wimp when it comes to this stuff) and I’ll definitely give blood again, and if I can do it anyone can! So get out there the next time there is a local Blood Drive and give some for Pete’s sake. If your afraid, let me know, I’ll send along Miss Megan with you for some moral support.

Red Cross participates in Independence Day Parade

Monday, July 06, 2009

Photo courtesy of McBryde Website Design

On Saturday, June 27, the Greater Carolinas Chapter of the American Red Cross participated in the Independence Day Parade in Troutman, N.C.  Vic McIntyre, a volunteer for the Red Cross, pulled the float for the Red Cross Military Support Group.

The Greater Carolinas Chapter Military Support Group meets regularly in Statesville, N.C. In addition to those services, the Red Cross provides other services to our armed forces.

Originally, the Red Cross was founded to aid fallen soldiers on the battlefield. Today, around the clock and around the globe, during times of personal crisis, the Red Cross keeps the American people in touch with their family members serving in the United States military. Wherever United States military troops are located, Red Cross employees and volunteers are there to meet their special needs. The Red Cross provides reporting and communication services through a network which links members of the military any place in the world with their loved ones back home.

Find out more about Red Cross Military Services