Motivation

 

The Fundamental Principles of the Red Cross (10-11)

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The humanitarian principles inspiring and influencing the work of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement were systematically defined and analysed by Jean Pictet in 1956, in his book on the Red Cross Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Principles (10). As a result seven Fundamental  Principles were unanimously adopted in 1965 by the Red Cross (11).

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They are:

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humanity (the desire to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found);

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impartiality (no discrimination is made as to nationality, race, religion, class or political opinion);

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neutrality (no side is taken);

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independence (though they are auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their countries, the National Societies remain autonomous);

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voluntary service

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unity (there can only be one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in anyone country, open to all); and universality (the Movement is worldwide, with worldwide responsibilities).

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Structure

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The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (3-4, 12-13)

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The raison d'etre of the National Societies remains that of helping military medical personnel care for the wounded and sick in time of war, but this role is now only one of many aspects of their work.

 

This reflects the fact that military medical services have improved dramatically, and that civilians are increasingly the victims of war.

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In peacetime too, especially after the First World War, their humanitarian skills have been utilised in many ways, including disaster relief, in founding hospitals and nursing schools, in first-aid training, in running ambulance services, and in particular in the provision of blood transfusion services.

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The National Societies send volunteers, including surgeons and anaesthetists, to work with the Federation or I.C.R.C. abroad, preparing them through courses such as the Overseas Delegates Training Course run by the British Red Cross at Barnett Hill, near Guildford.

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Thus, over the last 10 years the British Red Cross has sent out 10 surgeons on 24 three-month missions in I.C.R.C. hospitals; 17 anaesthetists have been on 38 missions, and 7 Operating Theatre nurses have been on 20 missions.

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