Charity Works: Cruz Roja Mexicana - Can You Hear The Siren?

By Danita Brisson

As the ambulance weaves through traffic, its wailing siren reassures those in crisis that help is on the way. Whether responding to a human misadventure or a natural disaster, Red Cross volunteers are trained to deliver on their mission to “prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.”

Local past President Leticia Fernández recently shared the fascinating story behind the founding of the International Committee of the Red Cross, from its inception in Geneva, Switzerland. “Since our creation in 1863,” the tale begins, “we have worked to help, protect and provide humanitarian assistance to people affected by armed conflict and other violence.”  Swiss author Jean-Henri Dunant was so horrified by the suffering of the 40,000 soldiers killed or wounded and left behind in the Italian Battle of Solferino in 1859), that he struck the committee that produced the first Geneva Convention and established the International Red Cross. The dramatic saga of war, human rights violations and the people who fought against both can be found on the ICRC’s website, or by researching Jean-Henri Dunant and Clara Barton, the nurse who founded the American Red Cross in 1881. These humanitarian pioneers both suffered personally and professionally due to their dedication to this project. However, their legacy is the three-time Nobel Peace Prize winning organization that has saved countless lives worldwide.

As political leaders in the 1860s embraced the grassroots crusade to ensure compassion during conflict, they adopted the Convention that, “obliged armies to care for wounded soldiers, whatever side they were on, and introduced a unified emblem for the medical services: a red cross on a white background.” Globally, that emblem symbolizes help delivered according to the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity and universality.

Locally, it represents paramedics and ambulances, training in first aid and CPR, disaster relief and much more. San Miguel’s responders are among the most highly qualified in the country. They train for at least twelve months prior to certification, practice year-round, and must pass recertification biannually. “We handle 600 to 700 events each month or about 7000 services a year,” estimates Leticia Peña, President of the San Miguel Red Cross. An ‘event’ is any call for services, from a minor twisted ankle to a major fire. Humanitarian aid, emergency and pre-hospital services are provided free. Planned activities such as doctor consultations, training programs and ambulance transfers between hospitals generate fees. The goal of their annual fundraising campaign is to exceed basic operating costs of mx$5.4 million. Leticia Fernández thanks all contributors and reminds us that, “Nobody is so poor as not to donate and nobody is so rich as not to need help.”

This May 5, the Red Cross celebrates 45 years of delivering crisis management in San Miguel. From their humble beginnings in 1980 with 3 volunteers, a 14-year-old ambulance donated by the Rotary Club, and a kiosk on Salida a Celaya, they have grown to 200-plus volunteers and staff, including a youth program for ages 8 to 22, and a compound at Libramiento José Manuel Zavala #117. Here the offices, classrooms, lab and consultation rooms cluster around the asphalt parking lot where 14 ambulances, 3 cars, a rescue truck and motorcycle stand ready. Our population growth from under 80,000 to over 180,000 during those 45 years, fueled that expansion. “We’re considering adding a second level to those buildings,” Leticia Peña points out as we tour the grounds. Onward and upward!

All 192 international Red Cross chapters face rising demands for knowledgeable and compassionate crisis respondents. When large-scale emergencies arise, volunteers worldwide are pressed into action. “Our responders have served around Latin America, in Veracruz, in Acapulco after the hurricane and in the México City earthquake,” reports Leticia Fernandes. Over the past 162 years, the Red Cross’ role has evolved tremendously. The organization battles peacetime needs globally and locally. As the ICRC website explains, “All Red Cross activities have one central purpose: to help those who suffer, without discrimination, whether during conflict, in response to natural or man-made disasters, or due to conditions of chronic poverty.”

They need our help now, in orderto continue helping us. Can you hear the siren? For more information contact Leticia Fernández at letyfdz54@gmail.com or at 415 152 4225