Chile recently experienced two significant disasters, devastating fires and earthquake, that required more than simply providing for people's physical well-being. Red Cross volunteers on the ground also provided emotional support, as psychosocial aid is key to helping people recover from disasters. Two volunteers from the Chilean Red Cross share their stories.
Psychosocial support is essential during and after a crisis, and can make a significant difference for a person who has experienced a traumatic event. Following the fires and earthquake in Chile in April, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
mobilized its Regional Response Unit specializing in psychosocial support for the first time. Bringing together expertise from the National Societies of Canada, Jamaica and Colombia, the unit provides support for the emotional and psychological needs of those affected by the disasters in Valpariaso and Iquique.
Volunteer Eileen Muñoz Vidal
Eileen Muñoz Vidal is 21 years old and she started volunteering with the Chilean Red Cross in November 2011.
When Eileen is asked about the first time she was involved with the Red Cross she commented “a Red Cross nurse saved my life when I was born.”
Eileen has been an active volunteer for the past three years and was involved with the first ever RRU PSS deployment. Through the support of the RRU, Eileen received PSS training and has been identified as a leader within her branch to take these messages forward.
“The training was really awesome, little by little I could understand more about feelings and how to do psychosocial support... now I really appreciate the new knowledge that I am sure will be useful to work with people, branch, friend and family. Psychosocial support is something you can use in your entire life.”
Volunteer Geraldo Yvan Palma Ribero
Geraldo Yvan Palma Ribero is 33 years old and started volunteering with the Chilean Red Cross in 2004 and from 2006-2008 he was the Regional Director of Youth for Iquique.
Geraldo joined the Red Cross because he wanted to help others and liked working with youth. Throughout the RRU deployment, Geraldo worked closely with the RRU team.
“It was a necessity in the population after the earthquake, people need PSS”. He also added that “the RRU PSS team was important as it brought expertise to the volunteers so they can do PSS in the future and in the communities in need.”