Description

Health Services Response is an instructor-led, basic level course designed to orient licensed health professionals to the roles and responsibilities of a Disaster Health Services volunteer when working on behalf of the American Red Cross to meet the disaster-related health needs of clients.Course activities provide participants an opportunity to work as members of a Red Cross Health Services team to resolve complex problems. These activities require participants to apply their professional knowledge, experience and critical thinking abilities to the work-related challenges experienced by Red Cross workers who provide immediate assistance to clients in the aftermath of a disaster. This course qualifies for 0.5 CEU credit under the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) guidelines. 

Purpose

The purpose of this course is to prepare licensed health professionals to either work in their local chapter jurisdiction, or be deployed to a Red Cross disaster relief operation and function as health professionals within the Health Services Protocols. 

Learning Objectives

 Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to— 

• Describe the role of the Red Cross Health Services worker.
• Identify and apply the Health Services Commitments to their actions as a Red Cross Health Services worker.
• Describe the Health Services disaster relief settings to which health professionals may be assigned.
• Assess the needs of Red Cross disaster clients and provide appropriate interventions and assistance according to the Health Services Protocols.
• Describe three possible challenges of working with diverse populations—including persons with disabilities (PWD)—and list useful strategies for providing assistance.
• Describe the purpose of the Health Services Protocols.
• Describe how public health concepts are integrated into the actions of Red Cross Health Services. 

Audience 

Employees and volunteers of the Red Cross who have a current professional license to practice as a CNA, EMT, LPN/LVN, PA, RN or MD. 

Prerequisites

• Fulfilling Our Mission: Translating Your Compassion Into Community Action (DSGEN200A, Rev. 09/07) 

Length 

This course is 6.5 hours in length including breaks. Attendance of the entire course is required to earn a course certificate.