Education and Disaster - Emergency Preparedness

Ash from Iceland volcano halts European travel

So far 2010 has seen serious disasters that have debilitated a nation, halted European air travel, and left a million people homeless. Here are some of the biggest natural disasters that affected the planet so far in 2010.

• 7.0 quake hits Haiti; ‘Serious loss of life expected.’ | 230,000 dead
• Chile reels from 8.8 earthquake | 700 dead
• China Earthquake: 6.9 Quake Strikes Qinghai Province | 1100 dead
• Volcanic ash from Iceland halts flights in Northern Europe | 17,000 flights canceled, tens of thousands stranded

Since the devastation of the recent awe inspiring earthquakes, people everywhere have been looking for opportunities to help. There are trained professionals who have received the necessary degrees and training who are ready to pick up the pieces after a major natural disasters and are among the first on site after disaster strikes. These everyday heroes include Emergency Management Specialists, Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and Paramedics, and Law Enforcement.

Emergency Management Specialist

An Emergency Management Specialist helps plan for emergencies before they happen and provide disaster relief after a natural disaster, wartime or technological disaster, or hostage situation. Should disaster strike, these professionals help to coordinate relief response in a timely manner, ensuring that the victims receive basic living essentials, such as clean water, food, housing, sanitation, and first aid.

Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics

Emergency Responders in Haiti. Photo c/o Margaret Aguirre, International Medical Corps.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and Paramedics provide emergency care, and transport the injured to a medical facility to receive appropriate care. Due to their medical training, EMTs are qualified to diagnose a patient’s injuries on site, provide first aid treatment, and manage cardiac, trauma, and respiratory emergencies.

Law Enforcement

Law Enforcement play a critical role after a natural disaster in keeping order during the chaos that ensues in an emergency. Law Enforcement are charged with the responsibility to preserve life and property, a critical role in the aftermath of a natural disaster.

If you have felt a need to make a difference in the aftermath of these terrible natural disasters, consider enrolling in a program and working towards a career as an Emergency Management Specialist, EMT and Paramedic, or Law Enforcement. Your career will make a difference.

Popular Search Terms: