earthquake

[raosen]

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Hi all,

I wanted to ask the members of this forum about methods for volunteering on site for international disasters. In light of China's recent earthquake, I would really like to get involved, as I am sure there will be many medical and nonmedical issues that require support.

Does anyone have any ideas where I could get started? Are there others that might be interested in doing the same?

Many thanks,
Mike

 

[Brain]

Hi all,

I wanted to ask the members of this forum about methods for volunteering on site for international disasters. In light of China's recent earthquake, I would really like to get involved, as I am sure there will be many medical and nonmedical issues that require support.

Does anyone have any ideas where I could get started? Are there others that might be interested in doing the same?

Many thanks,
Mike

I also have an interest in international volunteer work. However, the problem with volunteering for international disasters is that you need to be able to leave at a moment's notice and be gone for several weeks at a time, something that most medical students cannot do. Many of the organizations require previous experience working overseas, some even as much as 10 years. They also are looking for people with particular skills (ie, licensed physicians, people who speak the language, etc).

I think the best bet is to start with something local, such as the Red Cross, to start building up the experience in working with disasters. Also, there are international volunteer opportunities you can look into, they just may not be for international disaster relief.

 

[HunterJumper]

I am so glad there are other people like you out there that are interested in using their talents and skills to help out! I suggest your state or local Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) to start out. Being a member of the MRC will open doors to other places and response efforts in many areas nationally and globally. I have been involved with my state's MRC as a paramedic for about four years now and I have learned a lot and helped out a lot too. It's a great experience!