First aid – our trained first aid teams can assist emergency responders by treating minor casualties at treatment centres, freeing up the ambulance service to concentrate on more serious injuries.
Distribution of aid – we can provide necessities such as drinking water, food, clothing and emergency bedding for those affected by an emergency incident.
Practical support – we can offer logistical assistance to responders in the form of refreshments, vehicles to help transport those with minor injuries away from the scene of the incident and the loan of medical equipment, including wheelchairs.
Emotional support – our trained volunteers can provide emotional support to people affected by a crisis situation, freeing up emergency services personnel to deal with the incident.
Fire and emergency support service – volunteers respond to house fires and similar emergencies alongside the fire service, to offer help and support to people caught up in the incident.
Rest, reception and humanitarian assistance centres – during major emergencies or evacuations, we can support the operation of rest centres by the police or local authorities, by providing volunteers to register attendees.
Telephone support lines – we can set up a telephone support line within 24 hours, staffed by trained volunteers, to provide practical information and emotional support to people affected by a major emergency.
Disaster appeal schemes – we can assist local authorities by setting up an appeal for funds in the wake of a major disaster and then manage the distribution of the money to those in need.
Multilingual support – we can provide an emergency phrasebook, including more than 60 common medical questions and terms in 36 languages. We may also be able to provide interpreters, depending on the area.
Restoring family links – our tracing and message services can help relatives, particularly those living overseas, contact their loved ones in the event of a major incident in the UK.
Signposting – during an emergency, we can point those in need to statutory and voluntary organisations, so they can access the services most appropriate for them.
Fund for UK victims of terrorism overseas – we operate a fund to provide financial assistance to UK nationals injured or bereaved by terrorist acts in other countries.
For more information on any of these services, and to find out what else we can do for you in your area, contact your local Red Cross.