Written by Catherine Ntabadde
Friday, 29 April 2011 05:46
The Uganda Red Cross Society (URCS) has today (April 29, 2011) attended to 203 causalities who sustained injuries in the riots that rocked Kampala City and other parts of the country. Of these, 143 were referred to Uganda’s National Referral Hospital Mulago while 60 received on site first aid treatment from Red Cross Action Teams.
To support its emergency response interventions throughout the country, URCS has applied for the International Federation Red Cross and Red Crescent Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) amounting to CHF 90, 000 to support 1, 500 people.
URCS deployed 3 ambulances and a fleet of vehicles to save lives of those injured by providing on site first aid treatment and evacuating the seriously injured. Those referred to Mulago Hospital sustained gunshot wounds, assault and bruises, inhaling of tear gas, fainting and headache.
The interventions headed by URCS Secretary General Michael Richard Nataka were a manifestation of URCS new focus of saving lives, supporting livelihoods and promoting human dignity.
The Red Cross also supported Mulago Hospital with medical supplies and blankets to enable them attend to the influx of causalities. With flags flying high, URCS ambulances and vehicles gained access on the barricaded roads which enabled them evacuate the injured on time.
Hundreds of URCS volunteers were deployed countrywide to support in the interventions which lasted up to 6pm today (April 29, 2011)
The Secretary General Nataka said, “The staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure that all those injured are reached by our ambulances and vehicles. All our vehicles were given access on the roads which is an indication of the confidence all stakeholders have in Uganda Red Cross.”
With the increasing riots in the city, URCS’ urgent needs are in the areas of emergency health which include provision of first aid and evacuation services, psychosocial support and family tracing needs.
URCS will continue to be on standby as part of its emergency preparedness and response to support Uganda’s most vulnerable.