International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies - IFRC’s Post

A lengthy article, well worth reading, here's the start: #ExtremeHeat #Arizona #MaricopaCounty #Phoenix "Summer burns in Phoenix. Scorching pavement blisters uncovered skin. Pus oozes from burned feet and bacteria-teeming wounds fester under sweat-soaked bandages for people living on the street. They might be the lucky ones. Relentless heat led to 645 deaths last year in Maricopa County, the most ever documented in Arizona’s biggest metropolitan area. The soaring number of heat mortalities — a 1,000 percent increase over 10 years — comes as temperatures reach new highs amid exploding eviction rates in the Phoenix area, leading to a collision of homelessness and record-setting heat waves. The crisis has left local officials searching for answers in a region that regularly relies on churches more than the government to save people’s lives by offering them a cool place to hide from the desert air. Almost half of the victims last year were homeless — 290 people. Twenty died at bus stops, others were in tents, and an unrecorded number of people were found on the pavement, prone as if on a baking stone. More than 250 other people — who tended to be older, ill or unlucky — died in uncooled homes, on bikes or just going for a walk. “There’s no getting away from it,” said George Roberts, who goes by “Country” and lived on the streets of Phoenix until a year ago. “You just try to find some shade and hope it keeps you cool enough to live.” Phoenix officials are trying to reduce this year’s death count — but their fleeting plans hinge on temporary funding. They’re using nearly $2 million in federal pandemic-relief funding to operate new cooling centers. Unlike previous efforts, the centers will remain open into the evening, or even overnight, in areas with high heat death rates. The splurge of one-time funds marks the first time there has been a significant federal investment to keep people safe from heat in America’s hottest city. Strapped-for-cash municipalities are often left to fend for themselves during withering heat waves. Nowhere is that more true than in Phoenix, which is facing a collection of crises all at once: crashing budgets, rising homelessness and the prospects of a super-hot summer turbocharged by climate change. It’s unclear what will happen to the new cooling centers when the pandemic funds run out in two years. “We are lucky this year we have funding, but we need to be able to maintain that,” said Maricopa County Medical Director Rebecca Sunenshine. “It’s critical for people’s survival.” ..."

Is your community care site ready for victims of violence? But Dave! Our community care sites don't offer emergency care! It doesn't matter. If a victim of violence (gunshot wound, stab wound, etc) is seeking help and your site is nearby, you might be their first stop. I've had clients with community care sites in high crime areas describe this exact scenario unfolding. This is thankfully not common, but sites should be prepared- especially in high-crime/gun violence areas. What can you do to prepare? ✅ Ensure your code cart/bag has bleeding control supplies and clinical staff are trained on them. ✅ Educate staff on the potential threats posed by VoV's. ✅ Enable site staff to lock down the location quickly using a single button. ✅ Conduct scenario-based micro-learning drills to practice response. PS- What would you add to this list? #healthcare #workplaceviolence #healthcaresecurity #communitycare #ambulatorycare #urgentcare #healthcareleaders

Protecting Our Children: How You Can Help If you see a child being abused or suspect a child is at risk of harm due to neglect or unsafe conditions, it’s crucial to take action immediately. Reporting your concerns can save a child’s life and ensure they receive the protection they need. Steps to Report Child Abuse: In an Emergency: Always call 911 first if you believe a child is in immediate danger. Report to the Florida Abuse Hotline: Visit this link or call 800-962-2873 to report any concerns about child abuse or neglect. By being vigilant and proactive, we can work together to prevent tragedies and ensure better protection for vulnerable children. #childabuseprevention #childinjurylaw #childprotection #justiceforkids

Emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic can disrupt people’s access to #FamilyPlanning, leading to more unintended pregnancies. Learn why postpartum and post-abortion-care family planning is essential for protecting lives during crises. https://lnkd.in/ec_zqdQs #FP4Moms

As our population ages, ensuring the safety and well-being of our elders becomes increasingly crucial. As defenders of the elderly, we're committed to shining a light on elder abuse and empowering our community to take action. Together, we can create a safer more compassionate world for our elderly community. 💜 Read more on how to prevent elder abuse here: https://lnkd.in/eW8Ffeg2

This horrific and tragic incident is just one of many that forces us to examine how we, as a society, treat senior citizens. Give’s Mission: Protect Abandoned Elders cares for abused senior citizens who have been abandoned and are homeless on the streets and offers safe shelter, nutritious food, medical care and companionship to help deal with the trauma of abandonment. To find out how you can help protect abandoned elders: https://lnkd.in/d7byGkkJ

In 2022, 46,653 people died in falls at home and at work, according to #NSCInjuryFacts. For working adults, depending on the industry, falls can be the leading cause of death. Learn more about fall hazards this National Safety Month as well as ways to prevent them here: https://lnkd.in/gd6skQ9A. #NSM Members get even more. Not a member? Join today: https://lnkd.in/g-KJZjkA.

🌍 June 15th was World Elder Abuse Awareness Day! 🌍 June 15th marks a day to raise awareness about the abuse and neglect of older people. This year's theme, 'Spotlight on Older Persons in Emergencies,' highlights the need to protect and support our older generation during crises. Let's prioritize the safety and well-being of older persons in our emergency preparedness and response strategies. Join us in promoting a better understanding of elder abuse and neglect. #WEAAD #ElderAbuseAwareness #SpotlightOnOlderPersons #ProtectOurSeniors #EmergencyPreparedness

📢 This was too important to me to not post it on LinkedIn. The scorching 110F/43C temperatures in Arizona have been relentless this summer, and therein lies an ominous danger: children left in hot cars. In my years in healthcare, I've seen the devastating impact of such preventable tragedies. I’ve also wondered, how could that happen?  It’s not as simple as you think. Researchers have found that deviations from a routine increase the likelihood of a parent (or grandparent!) forgetting about a child in a vehicle. You can take these simple steps to prevent such tragedies: ↳ Always keep your car locked even if you don't have children. ↳ Keep your keys out of children's reach. ↳ Teach children how to honk the horn if they are trapped. ↳ Place an essential item that you won’t forget such as your purse, wallet, or phone in the back seat with the child. ↳ If a child is missing, immediately check the inside and trunk of all cars in the area first. ↳ If you see a child alone in a car, ensure they are okay and call 911 if any concern. P.S. Many states’ Good Samaritan laws protect you if you need to break a window to save a child! Are there other ideas that people have? #ChildSafety #PreventHotCarDeaths