The Red Cross in action in Japan

When the earthquake and subsequent tsunami struck Japan, the Japanese Red Cross response was immediate. Their first task was, and continues to be, to provide first-aid and medical care, as well as assist with search and rescue.

The Japanese Red Cross has a vast network of volunteers who are currently responding to this disaster.

This is one of the things that makes the Red Cross unique around the world – each country has its own network of volunteers who are trained to respond to emergencies. Here, in Canada, our volunteers assist families across the provinces when they are affected by house fires, flooding, hurricanes and other natural disasters. Our volunteers truly make a difference.

Because each country has its own network of volunteers, we do not typically send volunteers to international disasters. We do, however, have a roster of highly-trained professionals, such as doctors and nurses, who work as delegates to the Canadian Red Cross and can be deployed when there is a need.

You can learn more about volunteering for the Canadian Red Cross or our program for delegates on our web site.

Have a look at these photos to see the Japanese Red Cross in action.

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• Houses are swept by water following a tsunami and earthquake in Natori City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011. A massive 8.9 magnitude quake hit northeast Japan on Friday, causing many injuries, fires and a ten-metre (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country's coastline. There were several strong aftershocks and a warning of a 10-metre tsunami following the quake, which also caused buildings to shake violently in the capital Tokyo. A tsunami warning has been issued for the entire Pacific basin except for the mainland United States and Canada following a huge earthquake that hit Japan on Friday, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. REUTERS/KYODO (JAPAN - Tags: DISASTER IMAGES OF THE DAY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. JAPAN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN JAPAN. YES
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• For some of the youngest patients, who may be particularly vulnerable, special care must be provided, however warm skin and a kind voice, together with a watchful eye can go a long way to ensure a speedy recovery.
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Houses are swept by water following a tsunami and earthquake in Natori City in northeastern Japan March 11, 2011. A massive 8.9 magnitude quake hit northeast Japan on Friday, causing many injuries, fires and a ten-metre (33-ft) tsunami along parts of the country's coastline. There were several strong aftershocks and a warning of a 10-metre tsunami following the quake, which also caused buildings to shake violently in the capital Tokyo. A tsunami warning has been issued for the entire Pacific basin except for the mainland United States and Canada following a huge earthquake that hit Japan on Friday, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center said. REUTERS/KYODO (JAPAN - Tags: DISASTER IMAGES OF THE DAY) FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS. JAPAN OUT. NO COMMERCIAL OR EDITORIAL SALES IN JAPAN. YES

For some of the youngest patients, who may be particularly vulnerable, special care must be provided, however warm skin and a kind voice, together with a watchful eye can go a long way to ensure a speedy recovery.

You can see more photos are available on our Flickr account.

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