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Red Cross Red Crescent launches appeal for victims of the Bay of Bengal earthquake and tsunamis

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies has launched a preliminary appeal for 7.5 million Swiss francs to assist some 500,000 people and bring immediate support to relief operations of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and other countries in the region after the strongest earthquake in 40 years caused massive tidal waves

27 Dec 2004

American Red Cross response to South Asian Tsunami waves

The largest earthquake to strike the globe since 1964 has caused devastating tsunami waves that have killed thousands in south Asia. The 8.9-magnitude quake hit December 26 off the coast of Indonesia, triggering these extremely large waves that have brought massive flooding, damage and loss of life in the region.

27 Dec 2004

Researchers investigate whether simian foamy virus can be transmitted through blood transfusion

Using an animal model, researchers demonstrated that simian foamy virus can be transmitted through blood from one non-human primate to another. Although this virus is not known to cause disease or health conditions in people or animals, this new research identifies an emerging issue related to the safety and adequacy of Canada's blood supply.

25 Oct 2004

First-aid defibrillator use increases rate of survival

Sudden Heart Death is the number one cause of death in the industrialised world. 1/3 of the patients die before being transported into hospital. 20 % to 30 % of these cardiac arrests happen in public areas.

1 Sep 2004

Survey found that only two in ten Americans feel “very prepared” for a catastrophic event

The Red Cross/Wirthlin Worldwide survey found that only two in ten Americans feel “very prepared” for a catastrophic event; only about half of parents polled knew the disaster plans of their child’s school or daycare; the number of people who are familiar with the disaster plan at their workplace is also only about half

26 Jul 2004

Older people fail to recognise the signs of cardiac arrest

An Australian study has found a disturbing number of older people fail to recognise the signs of cardiac arrest and do not know what to do in the event of such an emergency.

15 Jul 2004

Young and old still at risk scalds and burns

Fifteen elderly people died and more than 400 were treated for burn and scald injuries in Victorian hospitals over two years, a new Monash University Accident Research Centre report has revealed.

21 Jun 2004

BMA calls for action to safeguard the health of air passengers

The British Medical Association is calling for national and international action to safeguard the health of air passengers, in a new report published on Monday (31st May). Despite numbering two billion a year, air travellers are not protected by regulated standards of healthcare or medical advice.

31 May 2004

Britain's youth complacent about HIV/AIDS

New data from surveys across the UK reveal a decline in 12-15 year olds’ knowledge about the dangers of HIV/AIDS. Figures from 1995-2001, (see tables), using a sample of 142,281 young people, show a declining trend of youngsters who think that HIV can be passed on by:

19 May 2004