Emergency Action Teams

After January 25th Revolution the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC) in cooperation with the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) had an initiative to form Emergency Action Teams (EATs) belong to the Egyptian Red Crescent. The initiative started on October 06, 2011 with a first training course for these teams.

During (2011–2012) the Egyptian Red Crescent formed 30 Emergency Action Teams. The number of the Emergency Action Teams reaches 64 teams in 2014 in 19 Governorates (Cairo – Qalyubia – Giza – Alexandria – Suez – Port Said - Qena – BeniSuef – Dakahlia – Sharqia – Minya – Asyut- Ismailia- Gharbia- Faiyum- South Sinai- Kafr el-Sheikh- Damietta- Monufia) with major support from ICRC and a contribution by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC). Each team consists of 5 volunteers including at least one doctor taking in consideration Gender equality.

The Egyptian Red Crescent held a special training course for every 5 teams within 6 days, which includes the following subjects:

  • First Aid.
  • How to make Triage for injured.
  • How to evacuate the injured.
  • Safer access.
  • Psychological support.
  • How to work as team.
  • Building first aid Post.
  • Communications in the field.
  • How to treat with media in the field.
  • International Humanitarian Law.
  • Fundamental principle of the International Movement of Red Cross Red Crescent.
  • Restoring Family links.

The teams have a special uniform with the Egyptian Red Crescent logo. Each team has the necessary equipment includes; first aid bags, stretcher, safety equipment, inspiration aids, communication equipment…etc.

The teams were deployed in all civil unrest happened in Egypt starting November 2011 (Mohamed Mahmoud St. events). They also offered their service during the Parliament and Presidential elections.

The Emergency Action Teams offer their services committed by the Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement specially Humanity, Neutrality, Impartiality and Independence.

The Emergency Action Teams in the field coordinating with all stockholders includes; the field hospitals, the ambulances belonged to Ministry of Health.