Well there is no “but,” I said “but” to get your attention. I was inundated with requests from numerous people and agencies to support and donate to the Haitian relief funds. I have chosen to not donate in any way to the Haitian charities. This is not at all because I do not care or in any protest, but rather because my entire career is dedicated to the relief of others. That is what EMTs do and that is what my medical research does. So, while the well meaning advocates pushing for donations to relief agencies will do this for a few weeks, I will go on thinking and working on ways to save sick and injured every day for the next several years. The truth is, being prepared for a disaster is a full time job and all of us need donations and relief continuously, not just for the weeks surrounding an earthquake.

Did you ever think about the people with the rescue dogs in Haiti? Those people, and dogs, train year round to be ready to help rescue trapped Haitians. The medical personnel train for years to be ready to treat Haitians after being rescued. The logisticians and administrators put in place numerous technologies and equipment ready to be distributed to the Haitians. Do you think those pallets of boxes labeled, “Emergency Relief USA”, were made on demand? Those are made continuously, ready to be used for dealing with a disaster.

I do not disagree that what the Haitians need now is relief. That is paramount. But when the commotion from Haiti dies down, think for a second about those of us who work on such things and if you are so moved, donate your time or money to a charity that supports rescue operations like those that you are seeing in Haiti. Those agencies need the funds year round. Remember the cash you donate today could be used to serve you in the event of some future tragedy.