Haiti Emergency Response
Posted by admin on January 21, 2010 · Leave a Comment
On behalf of the EMS Chiefs of Canada (EMSCC), I would like to provide you with an update on our association’s response to the tragic earthquake in Haiti.
Our EMSCC Executive committee has met and reviewed the current situation in Haiti, and stand ready to provide resources upon approval from the federal government. We have been in constant communication with our colleagues at the CACP (Canadian Association Chiefs of Police), and the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) .We have been encouraged by the federal government to work through our provincial emergency management agencies to coordinate any potential responses.
At this point, the UN has indicated that there is no need for additional capacity on the ground. The decision to not send the National HUSAR team at this time was based on many factors, primarily information gathered by the Canadian reconnaissance team in Haiti such as airport backlogs, the many transportation challenges, and the presence on the ground of more than 30 teams. Canada would consider deploying National HUSAR capabilities if requested.
The EMSCC is represented through a Joint Emergency Management Committee chaired by Deputy Chief Sue O’Sullivan of the Ottawa Police Service. EMSCC Board members Bruce Farr and Tom Sampson represent the EMSCC on this committee, and have received timely updates through this committee with respect to any requests of our interagency associations (CACP, CAFC, EMSCC).
We will endeavor to keep you informed of any updates with respect to our joint response to this emergency situation.
Additionally, should you wish to make a financial contribution to the relief efforts, below are links to several agencies for your information.
City of Toronto TTC stations until Friday January 22nd:
http://www.toronto.ca/haitirelief/pdf/ttc_release_donations.pdf
Canadian Red Cross:
http://www.redcross.ca/article.asp?id=33900&tid=001
Global Medic:
http://www.globalmedic.ca/
World Vision:
https://www.worldvision.ca/Pages/Home.aspx
Sincerely,
Bruce Farr, President
Emergency Medical Services Chiefs of Canada (EMSCC)
