Red Alert: Serving On The Front Lines of the Red Cross

June 2003

Greenbaum's team often provides relief for weary firefighters.

When fires, floods, or other calamities occur in northern Massachusetts or southern New Hampshire, Carl Greenbaum is usually among the first to arrive on the scene. Greenbaum is a Red Cross volunteer who currently serves as the organization's Disaster Chairperson for the Merrimack Valley region, and his team's responsibilities include providing comfort during tragedy and immediate housing assistance for displaced families.

In crisis situations like a neighborhood blaze, families have lost everything, so Red Cross volunteers are stepping squarely into intense situations. "It's frontline stuff," explains Greenbaum, who first became involved with emergency response activities several years ago when his children reached adulthood and he found himself with extra time on his hands. He says he gets satisfaction from the immediate help his team supplies, whether it's basic first aid or vouchers for nearby hotels or replacement clothing. The Merrimack Valley chapter is unique because it encompasses two states: 25 communities in Massachusetts and eight towns in New Hampshire, all within a 25-mile radius of Lowell, Massachusetts.

Beyond teddy bears for terrified children and cold drinks for parched rescue personnel, Greenbaum arms himself for the job in other ways. "It's just as important to understand the demographics of the area you serve," he points out. "For example, what languages are spoken in the area?" Familiarity with local population data is another tool to leverage when assisting affected people. In his role as Disaster Chairperson, he also represents his region at statewide Red Cross meetings, and he is currently updating the chapter emergency response plan. Greenbaum uses planning data from every town within his territory. "In one community, the crisis plan is dated 1979, so we have to update vital facts such as where to find urgent shelter," he says.

Fortunately, not all occasions Greenbaum responds to are distressing; some are downright fun. "We provide 'First Aid Standbys' at large public gatherings such as road races and the annual Lowell (Mass.) Folk Festival," he explains. "We're there to provide water and basic first aid." When Greenbaum is "on call," it's on weeknights from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m, as well as some weekends. And although he often finds himself amidst scenes of ruin, Greenbaum also gets a firsthand view of success stories. "It's common that fire victims and other beneficiaries of Red Cross services end up joining the organization as volunteers themselves," he says. "One of our lead trainers has a brother who was saved by a Red Cross volunteer."

It seems that Carl Greenbaum's Red Cross efforts create happy endings with lasting effects.

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