Risk factors for clinical stages of COVID-19 amongst employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) worldwide over a period of 12 months.

BACKGROUND: Essential workers carry a higher risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 mortality than individuals working in non-essential activities. Scientific studies on COVID-19 risk factors and clinical courses for humanitarian aid workers (HAW) specifically are lacking. The nature of their work brings HAW in proximity to various populations, therefore potentially exposing them to the virus. The objective of this study is to assess severity degrees of COVID-19 in relation to multiple risk factors in a cohort of HAW. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of data collected by the Staff Health Unit of the International Committee of the Red Cross, over 12 months (February 2021 - January 2022). Prevalence of demographic and health risk factors and outcome events were calculated. Factors associated with disease severity were explored in univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. Resulting OR were reported with 95%CI and p-values from Wald Test. P-values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: We included 2377 patients. The mean age was 39.5y.o. Two thirds of the patients were males, and 3/4 were national staff. Most cases (3/4) were reported by three regions (Africa, Asia and Middle East). Over 95% of patients were either asymptomatic or presented mild symptoms, 9 died (CFR 0.38%). Fifty-two patients were hospitalised and 7 needed a medical evacuation outside the country of assignment. A minority (14.76%) of patients had at least one risk factor for severe disease; the most recorded one was high blood pressure (4.6%). Over 55% of cases occurred during the predominance of Delta Variant of Concern. All pre-existing risk factors were significantly associated with a moderate or higher severity of the disease (except pregnancy and immunosuppression). CONCLUSIONS: We found strong epidemiological evidence of associations between comorbidities, old age, and the severity of COVID-19. Increased occupational risks of moderate to severe forms of COVID-19 do not only depend on workplace safety but also on social contacts and context.

Transfusión sanguínea y movilización popular en la retaguardia: la Agrupació de Donadors de Sang de Catalunya (1937-1939) / Blood transfusion and popular mobilization in the rear-guard: the Agrupació de Donadors de Sang de Catalunya (1937-1939)

RESUMEN: Durante la Guerra Civil Española las autoridades de ambos bandos fomentaron la donación de sangre entr e la población civil para remitirla desde la retaguardia a los frentes de batalla. El voluntariado se estimuló por dos vías principales: por un lado, apelan-do a la solidaridad de la población con los combatientes y, por otro, ofreciendo a los donantes ciertas recompensas, además de signos distintivos de reconocimiento social y protección personal como brazaletes e insignias.Fundada en Barcelona a lo larg o del ver ano de 1937, la Agrupació de Donadors de Sang de Catalunya llegó a cont ar con cerc a de 30.000 personas inscritas dispuestas a dar su sangre para cubrir primordialmente las necesidades de los servicios quirúrgicos del Ejército de la República. Est a entidad no respondía a un modelo de organización jerárquico y centralizado, sino que estaba conformada por diver-sos colectivos radicados en Barcelona y otras ciudades catalanas. Pese a ser una organización tan numerosa, no se conservan apenas vestigios en la memoria colectiva. Est e artículo pretende analizar los orígenes y la trayectoria de la Agrupació de Donadors de Sang utilizando como fuente principal las noticias aparecidas en la prensa de Barcelona. También se ha analizado el papel de la Cruz Roja en la gestación de dicha entidad

ABSTRACT: During the Spanish Civil War, the authorities on both sides encouraged civilians to donate blood in order to refer it from the rear-guard to the fron tline. Voluntary work was motivated in two main ways: on the one hand, by appealing to the solidarity of the population with the combatants; and, on the other hand, by offering donors certain rewards, as well as distinctive symbols (bracelets and insignia) of social recognition and personal protection. Founded in Barcelona throughout summer in 1937, the Agrupació de Donadors de Sang de Catalunya(Grouping of Blood Donors of Cat alonia) had nearly 30,000 people registered who wer e disposed to donate their blood to cov er primarily the necessities of the surgical services of the Spanish Republican Army. This organisation did not respond to a hierarchical and centralised organisational model, but was formed by various groups based in Barcelona and other Catalan cities. Despite being such a large organization, hardly any traces remain in the collective memory. This article aims to analyse the origins and trajectory of the Agrupació de Donadors de Sang using as the main source the news that appeared in Barcelona’s press. Moreover, the role of the Red Cross on the development of the aforesaid organisation has also been analysed

Sistema multiplataforma innovador para el control de emergencias, inventario y recurso humano de la Cruz Roja Salvadoreña: en asocio con la Cruz Roja Salvadoreña de Chinameca, San Miguel / Innovative multiplatform system for the control of emergencies, inventory and human resources of the Salvadoran Red Cross: in association with the Salvadoran Red Cross of Chinameca, San Miguel

En el presente informe, se encontrará con el estudio sobre el desarrollo de un sistema multiplataforma para el control de operaciones de emergencias, inventario y recurso humano de la Cruz Roja Salvadoreña del municipio de Chinameca, San Miguel, cuyos objetivos fueron diseñar un modelado de datos relacional con características de escalabilidad y definir procesos en el software que se acoplen a las necesidades actuales de la Cruz Roja y las solventen. Para el desarrollo de la investigación se realizó el diseño de interfaces que mejoren la experiencia de usuario en el uso de la plataforma. Finalmente se capacitó al personal en el uso de la plataforma.El diseño del modelado de datos relacional implementado en este sistema informático permite su adaptación a los cambios gracias al funcionamiento lógico del sistema, facilitando de esta manera su actualización a nuevas versiones y tecnologías sin afectar su rendimiento

In this report, the development of a multiplatform system for the control of emergency operations, inventory and human resources of the Salvadoran Red Cross of the municipality of Chinameca, San Miguel, will be explained. The objectives were to design a data modeling relational with scalability characteristics, processes and to define in the software the current needs of the Red Cross and solve them. For the development of the research, the design of interfaces that improve the user experience in the use of the platform was carried out. Finally, the personnel were trained in the use of the platform. The data modeling relational design implemented in this system allows the adaptation to changes thanks to logic system performance, making easier the updating to new versions and technologies without affecting his efficiency

Trust in Humanitarian Aid From the Earthquake in 2017 to COVID-19 in Iran: A Policy Analysis.

The earthquake of November 2017, the great flood of April 2019, and the COVID-19 outbreak in 2020 are 3 major emergencies in Iran during the last 3 years. A common issue in all of these crises seems to be the issue of "trust." Official authorities, including the Iranian President, ministers, and the judiciary system, tried to gain people's trust by either changing policies or developing new ones. In August 2019, the new law on crisis management in Iran went into effect and the issue of public donation has been considered, too. Also, in their response to the COVID-19 outbreak, Iranian officials ordered all sectors to cooperate with the Ministry of Health and provide it with all necessary facilities. Therefore, it seems that new policies are still needed to overcome mistrust in Iran at times of emergency. Developing a policy on donation management was the first step, and there are several factors that could have contributed to the perception of the mistrust and failure in emergency missions. Mistrust can be the result of different causes, including but not limited to lack of knowledge on capabilities and efficiencies of humanitarian organizations, engagement of a wide range of organizations from different categories, extension of mistrust of an organization to other emergency organizations in the area or all of operation, lack of unity in emergency response, and poor public relations.

Disaster-Related Shelter Surveillance During the Hurricane Harvey Response - Texas 2017.

OBJECTIVES: Hurricane Harvey left a path of destruction in its wake, resulting in over 100 deaths and damaging critical infrastructure. During a disaster, public health surveillance is necessary to track emerging illnesses and injuries, identify at-risk populations, and assess the effectiveness of response efforts. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American Red Cross collaborate on shelter surveillance to monitor the health of the sheltered population and help guide response efforts. METHODS: We analyzed data collected from 24 Red Cross shelters between August 25, 2017, and September 14, 2017. We described the aggregate morbidity data collected during Harvey compared with previous hurricanes (Gustav, Ike, and Sandy). RESULTS: Over one-third (38%) of reasons for visit were for health care maintenance; 33% for acute illnesses, which includes respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and pain; 19% for exacerbation of chronic disease; 7% for mental health; and 4% for injury. The Red Cross treated 41% of clients within the shelters; however, reporting of disposition was often missed. These results are comparable to previous hurricanes. CONCLUSION: The capacity of Red Cross shelter staff to address the acute health needs of shelter residents is a critical resource for local public health agencies overwhelmed by the disaster. However, there remains room for improvement because reporting remained inconsistent.

Asamblea Local de Cruz Roja Española de Elche (1909-1930) / Local Assembly of the Spanish Red Cross of Elche(1909-1930) / Assembléia local da Cruz Vermelha Espanhola de Elche(1909-1930)

La Asamblea Local de Cruz Roja Española de Elche inició su andadura con carácter formal en el mes de septiembre de 1909; el talante altruista de la "brigada de camilleros"y su vida económica, compuesta principalmente por cuotas de socios, subvenciones del ayuntamiento y celebraciones para recaudar fondos, así como los servicios prestados para toda la población, advierten de la existencia de cobertura sanitaria en un momento de valor singular, como es la dictadura de Miguel Primo de Rivera. Los principios que rigen la Asamblea son los mismos que propone el Comité Internacional de la Cruz Roja en 1921: caridad, universalidad, independencia e imparcialidad. OBJETIVO: identificar qué se conoce sobre los inicios de la Cruz Roja Española en la ciudad de Elche y la relación existente con sus principios: caridad, universalidad, independenciae imparcialidad. MÉTODO: se llevó a cabo una investigación histórica basada en la revisión bibliográfica. Fuentes documentales: catálogos documentales de bibliotecas y archivos documentales, bases de datos electrónicas, catálogos de revistas especializadas en historia y otras fuentes de red. Descriptores utilizados: Cruz Roja, Cruz Roja Española, Cruz Roja Local. RESULTADOS: en el análisis se incluyeron documentos procedentes de estudios basados en fuentes primarias y los resultados se presentan en 4 apartados: Composición y vida económica, Celebraciones para recaudar fondos: la Fiesta de la Banderita, Acuerdos municipales y Servicios prestados. CONCLUSIÓN: existe una clara relación de la labor desarrollada por la Asamblea de la Cruz Roja Española de Elche y los principios en los que se orienta, desarrollando cada uno de ellos en su vida cotidiana; así se deprende de los documentos analizados de la época tanto de comunicaciones y actas del ayuntamiento como de prensa histórica

The Local Assembly of the Spanish Red Cross of Elche began its formal activity in September 1909; the altruistic mood of the "brigade of stretchers" and its economic life, mainly composed of membership fees, grants from the city council and fundraising celebrations, as well as services provided for the entire population, warn of the existence of health coverage in a moment of singular value, as is the dictatorship of Miguel Primo de Rivera. The principles governing the Assembly are the same as those proposed by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1921: charity, universality, independence and impartiality. OBJECTIVE: identify what is known about the beginnings of the Spanish Red Cross in the city of Elche and the relationship with its principles: charity, universality, independence and impartiality. METHOD: a historical investigation based on the literature review was carried out. Documentary sources: documentary catalogs of libraries and documentary archives, electronic databases, catalogs of magazines specialized in history and other network sources. Descriptors used: Red Cross, Spanish Red Cross, Local Red Cross. RESULTS: the analysis included documents from studies based on primary sources and the results are presented in 4 sections: Composition and economic life, Celebrations to raise funds: the Feast of the Banderita, Municipal Agreements and Services provided. CONCLUSION: there is a clear relationship of the work carried out by the Assembly of the Spanish Red Cross of Elche and the principles on which it is oriented, developing each of them in their daily lives; This follows from the documents analyzed at the time of both the communications and the minutes of the town hall and the historical press

A Assembléia Local da Cruz Vermelha Espanhola de Elche iniciou sua atividade formal em setembro de 1909; o humor altruísta da "brigada de macas" e sua vida econômica, composta principalmente de honorários, subsídios da prefeitura e celebrações de arrecadação de fundos, além de serviços prestados a toda a população, alertam para a existência de cobertura de saúde momento de valor singular, como é a ditadura de Miguel Primo de Rivera. Os princípios que governam a Assembléia são os mesmos propostos pelo Comitê Internacional da Cruz Vermelha em 1921: caridade, universalidade, independência e imparcialidade. OBJETIVO: identificar o que se sabe sobre o início da Cruz Vermelha Espanhola na cidade de Elche e a relação existente com seus princípios: caridade, universalidade,independênciae imparcialidade. MÉTODO: foi realizada uma investigação histórica baseada na revisão da literatura. Fontes documentais: catálogos documentais de bibliotecas e arquivosdocumentais, bancos de dados eletrônicos catálogos de revistas especializadas em história e outras fontes de rede. Descritores utilizados: Cruz Vermelha, Cruz Vermelha Espanhola, Cruz Vermelha Local. RESULTADOS: documentos de estudos baseados em fontes primárias foram incluídos na análise e os resultados são apresentados em 4 seções: Composição e vida econômica, Celebrações para captação de recursos: Festa da Banderita, Acordos e Serviços Municipais. CONCLUSÃO: existe uma clara relação entre o trabalho realizado pela Assembléia da Cruz Vermelha Espanhola de Elche e os princípios sobre os quais se orienta, desenvolvendo cada um deles no seu cotidiano; Isso decorre dos documentos analisados na época das comunicações e das atas da prefeitura e da imprensa histórica

Global surgery for paediatric casualties in armed conflict.

Background: Understanding injury patterns specific for paediatric casualties of armed conflict is essential to facilitate preparations by organizations that provide medical care in conflict areas. The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to identify injury patterns and treatment requirements that are specific for paediatric patients in conflict zones. Methods: Characteristics of children (age < 15 years) treated in medical facilities supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) between 1988 and 2014 in Kabul, Kao-i-Dang, Lokichogio, Kandahar, Peshawar, Quetta and Goma were analysed; patient characteristics were compared between treatment facilities and with those of adult patients (age ≥ 15 years). Results: Of the patients listed in the database, 15% (5843/38,088) were aged < 15 years. The median age was 10 years (IQR 6-12); 75% (4406/5843) were male. Eighty-six percent (5012/5,843) of the admitted children underwent surgery, with a median of 2 surgeries per patient (IQR 1-3). When compared with adult patients, children were more frequently seen with fragment injuries, burns and mine injuries; they had injuries to multiple body regions more often and had higher in-hospital mortality rates. Conclusions: Children more often sustained injuries to multiple body regions and had higher in-hospital mortality than adults. These findings could have implications for how the ICRC and other organizations prepare personnel and structure logistics to meet the treatment needs of paediatric victims of armed conflicts.

2019 American Heart Association and American Red Cross Focused Update for First Aid: Presyncope: An Update to the American Heart Association and American Red Cross Guidelines for First Aid.

This 2019 focused update to the American Heart Association and American Red Cross first aid guidelines follows the completion of a systematic review of treatments for presyncope of vasovagal or orthostatic origin. This review was commissioned by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and resulted in the development of an international summary statement of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation First Aid Task Force Consensus on Science With Treatment Recommendations. This focused update highlights the evidence supporting specific interventions for presyncope of orthostatic or vasovagal origin and recommends the use of physical counterpressure maneuvers. These maneuvers include the contraction of muscles of the body such as the legs, arms, abdomen, or neck, with the goal of elevating blood pressure and alleviating symptoms. Although lower-body counterpressure maneuvers are favored over upper-body counterpressure maneuvers, multiple methods can be beneficial, depending on the situation.

Characteristics of transfusion-transmitted Babesia microti, American Red Cross 2010-2017.

BACKGROUND: Babesia microti, a red blood cell (RBC) parasite transmitted naturally to vertebrate hosts by ixodid ticks, is endemic to the northeastern and upper midwestern United States, with the geographic range of infected ticks expanding. B. microti is a blood safety issue with >200 transfusion-transmissions reported. METHODS: The American Red Cross's Hemovigilance program investigated hospital-reported transfusion-transmitted babesiosis (TTB) cases. Follow-up samples from involved donors were tested for B. microti antibodies and parasite DNA, the latter by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Test-positive donors were permanently deferred from future donations. RESULTS: B. microti-positive donors were implicated in 77 of 143 suspect TTB cases investigated from 2010 through 2017. In four cases, two positive donors were identified for a total of 81 positive donors. In three cases, a RBC unit was split and components transfused multiple times to the same pediatric recipient. RBCs were the transmitting product in all cases. At follow-up, all involved donors were antibody positive; 25 donors were also PCR positive. Positive donations were collected throughout the year, peaking in the summer. Most donors (78) were resident of, or traveled to (2), an endemic state. One donor resided in a non-endemic state without relevant travel history. One fatality listed babesia as a contributing factor. No implicated donation was screened by an investigational protocol. CONCLUSIONS: Babesiosis remains a blood safety issue. Prior to FDA-licensed screening test availability and final FDA Guidance, blood collectors in endemic states investigationally tested none, a portion, or all collections. Future expanded testing will reduce the frequency of TTB cases.

Disaster-Related Surveillance Among US Virgin Islands (USVI) Shelters During the Hurricanes Irma and Maria Response.

OBJECTIVES: Two Category 5 storms, Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria, hit the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI) within 13 days of each other in September 2017. These storms caused catastrophic damage across the territory, including widespread loss of power, destruction of homes, and devastation of critical infrastructure. During large scale disasters such as Hurricanes Irma and Maria, public health surveillance is an important tool to track emerging illnesses and injuries, identify at-risk populations, and assess the effectiveness of response efforts. The USVI Department of Health (DoH) partnered with shelter staff volunteers to monitor the health of the sheltered population and help guide response efforts. METHODS: Shelter volunteers collect data on the American Red Cross Aggregate Morbidity Report form that tallies the number of client visits at a shelter's health services every 24 hours. Morbidity data were collected at all 5 shelters on St. Thomas and St. Croix between September and October 2017. This article describes the health surveillance data collected in response to Hurricanes Irma and Maria. RESULTS: Following Hurricanes Irma and Maria, 1130 health-related client visits were reported, accounting for 1655 reasons for the visits (each client may have more than 1 reason for a single visit). Only 1 shelter reported data daily. Over half of visits (51.2%) were for health care management; 17.7% for acute illnesses, which include respiratory conditions, gastrointestinal symptoms, and pain; 14.6% for exacerbation of chronic disease; 9.8% for mental health; and 6.7% for injury. Shelter volunteers treated many clients within the shelters; however, reporting of the disposition (eg, referred to physician, pharmacist) was often missed (78.1%). CONCLUSION: Shelter surveillance is an efficient means of quickly identifying and characterizing health issues and concerns in sheltered populations following disasters, allowing for the development of evidence-based strategies to address identified needs. When incorporated into broader surveillance strategies using multiple data sources, shelter data can enable disaster epidemiologists to paint a more comprehensive picture of community health, thereby planning and responding to health issues both within and outside of shelters. The findings from this report illustrated that managing chronic conditions presented a more notable resource demand than acute injuries and illnesses. Although there remains room for improvement because reporting was inconsistent throughout the response, the capacity of shelter staff to address the health needs of shelter residents and the ability to monitor the health needs in the sheltered population were critical resources for the USVI DoH overwhelmed by the disaster. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2019;13:38-43).

[The Red Cross, Pan-Americanism and health in the inter-war period]. / La Cruz Roja, el panamericanismo y la salud en el período de entreguerras.

The Red Cross, an international organization originally founded in Europe, promoted in different Latin American countries the formation of national societies under the humanitarian and neutral principles in relation to the treatment of prisoners in times of armed conflicts. After the First World War and under the influence of the United States, the League of the Red Cross Societies was fostered to design and apply sanitary and social actions in times of peace. Based on that boost, different Pan-American Congresses were held in the twenties and thirties in Buenos Aires, Washington and Rio de Janeiro, which had an agenda that coincided with the principles of this international organization and, at the same time, allowed the elites and the state and private organisms of different fields to unify in pursuit of intervening in different social sectors.

La Cruz Roja, organismo internacional originalmente organizado en Europa, provocó la formación de sociedades nacionales en distintos países latinoamericanos bajo los principios humanitarios y neutrales relacionados con el tratamiento de prisioneros en épocas de conflictos bélicos. Luego de la Primera Guerra Mundial y bajo la influencia estadounidense, se impulsaron la Liga de las Sociedades de la Cruz Roja para el diseño y aplicación de acciones sanitarias y sociales en tiempos de paz. A partir de ese impulso, en la década de 1920 y 1930, se realizaron congresos panamericanos en Buenos Aires, Washington y Río de Janeiro que dispusieron una agenda coincidente con los principios de esta organización internacional que, a su vez, permitieron unificar las élites, los organismos estatales y privados de diferentes ámbitos en pos de la intervención sobre diferentes sectores sociales.

Cultural Issues in the Provision of Emergency Care to Irregular Migrants Who Arrive in Spain by Small Boats.

INTRODUCTION: The European Union receives one third of the world's migrant population who cross the Mediterranean Sea in small boats and arrive illegally in Europe. Irregular migrants (IMs) are persons who do not have legal permission, documentation, or refugee status and are not authorized to enter or stay in a given country. More than half a million IMs arrive in the European Union by sea creating serious public health issues in Greece, Italy, and Spain, thereby needing emergency care. The purpose of this study was to describe and understand the experiences of IMs who arrive in Spain by small boats in terms of cultural issues surrounding the provision of emergency care. METHOD: A qualitative study based on Gadamer's phenomenology was used. Data were collected between 2015 and 2018 using 12 in-depth interviews of IMs. RESULTS: Three main themes arose: "IMs driven by a culture of emigration in countries of origin," "Facing risk in search of a better life," and "The need for cultural adaptation in emergency care." DISCUSSION: Biopsychosocial and cultural needs must be addressed when providing emergency care to IMs who arrive in Europe by small boat. IMPLICATIONS: Nurses can help adapt and restructure cultural practices in the emergency care provided to IMs.

La Cruz Roja, el panamericanismo y la salud en el período de entreguerras / The Red Cross, Pan-Americanism and health in the inter-war period

RESUMEN La Cruz Roja, organismo internacional originalmente organizado en Europa, provocó la formación de sociedades nacionales en distintos países latinoamericanos bajo los principios humanitarios y neutrales relacionados con el tratamiento de prisioneros en épocas de conflictos bélicos. Luego de la Primera Guerra Mundial y bajo la influencia estadounidense, se impulsaron la Liga de las Sociedades de la Cruz Roja para el diseño y aplicación de acciones sanitarias y sociales en tiempos de paz. A partir de ese impulso, en la década de 1920 y 1930, se realizaron congresos panamericanos en Buenos Aires, Washington y Río de Janeiro que dispusieron una agenda coincidente con los principios de esta organización internacional que, a su vez, permitieron unificar las élites, los organismos estatales y privados de diferentes ámbitos en pos de la intervención sobre diferentes sectores sociales.

ABSTRACT The Red Cross, an international organization originally founded in Europe, promoted in different Latin American countries the formation of national societies under the humanitarian and neutral principles in relation to the treatment of prisoners in times of armed conflicts. After the First World War and under the influence of the United States, the League of the Red Cross Societies was fostered to design and apply sanitary and social actions in times of peace. Based on that boost, different Pan-American Congresses were held in the twenties and thirties in Buenos Aires, Washington and Rio de Janeiro, which had an agenda that coincided with the principles of this international organization and, at the same time, allowed the elites and the state and private organisms of different fields to unify in pursuit of intervening in different social sectors.