This project provided emergency relief funds to offset the shortages and limitations caused by the current crisis occurring in Palestine.  When clashes began between Palestinian civilians and the Israeli army and settlers on September 29, 2000, the resources and medical disposables available for the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) department of the PRCS were stretched to the limit.  When the crisis began, the PRCS Emergency Readiness Plan was put into effect and all EMS and other support personnel reported to their stations.  The PRCS HQ convened its operation room to support EMS, coordinated with other stakeholders, and continuously assessed and reported on the situation.  The disaster management team remains in session until the emergency subsides.  PRCS continues to focus on care for wounded, transport of wounded and deceased, blood unit transport to various hospitals, and mobilization of volunteers.  Additionally, the EMS is deploying field hospitals on an as-needs basis (Ramallah, Jenin, Hebron, Nablus, Tulkarem, and two in Gaza).   Due to the nature and extended length of the clashes, the EMS management has had to deal daily with the following issues:

Due to the on-going clashes, the supplies of the PRCS EMS department have been depleted and they are now dependant on supplies donated from international NGO’s and private donors.  The beneficiaries will be the EMS department and the patients they serve.  Until the crisis is over, the majority of the patients will be those injured in the clashes.

This project was identified by the staff of PRCS and their Emergency Medical Services Department and verified by Dr. Hossam Sharkawi, the coordinator of Emergency Medical Services in Al-Bireh.  Board members of HUMANSERVE have had daily phone and eMail contact with Mr. Sharkawi while he was in the field and this provided current up-dates and assessment of the situation on the ground.  The current emergency situation has also been verified by field visits made by representatives of several members of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

Money raised for this project was provided by private donors who attended HUMANSERVE's  Fundraiser 2000.  We are pleased to announce that our application  to the  Wild Rose Foundation of Alberta for a grant to match our donation of $4,500 CDN was approved.  This makes the total donation $9,000 CDN.

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PO Box 37011

Edmonton, AB

Canada  T5R 1E0