The ERU personnel aim to help rehabilitate the population and cope with the trauma.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
Highly trained Magen David Adom emergency response unit (ERU) paramedics are working in Haiti with the International Red Cross, following the work of MDA rescue teams that saved victims who survived last month’s severe earthquake.Although most of the injured and sick are now getting medical treatment, huge numbers have been left without shelter, water, food, drugs and psychological care.The ERU personnel aim to help rehabilitate the population and cope withthe trauma. Initially, they are distributing blankets, medications,food, water-sterilization pills, plastic sheets and tents.Much stress has been put on ensuring that the vital equipment reachesthe needy through official distribution centers and is not stolen forprofit. They are also training local residents how to supervise thedistribution so it serves the population’s urgent needs.To cover the costs, MDA is asking Israelis to donate to the fund, MDAContributions to the Caribbean via Bank Discount, Yad Eliahu Branch(151), account number 17926, or by calling MDA at (03) 630-0272/3.