The Red Cross of Mexico functions 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Like the American and Canadian Red Cross, it assists at disasters, but additionally acts as an Emergency Medical Service.

By Mexican law, it is the only organization, outside of big cities, authorized to render first aid to anyone injured in an auto accident or in the commission of a crime.

As early as 1898, the Spanish Red Cross approached the Mexican Government to inquire about the emergency services available in the Republic. At that time, such services were provided by the Mexican Army. The Mexican President, Porfirio Diaz, had been a general, had strong ties to the Military, and showed no interest in establishing a Mexican Red Cross. By 1907, however, the Mexican Army had fallen on hard times. Diaz, still President, had cut back on its funds, producing inefficiency and dissatisfaction among career officers.

On August 2nd of that year, Mexico recognized the Geneva Convention and on February 21, 1910, a presidential decree recognized the Red Cross, but made it an auxiliary of the Army. In 1919, it was recognized by the International Red Cross and received a charter in 1923. Since then, the organization has been prohibited from accepting any financial aid from any government agency. It is financed by private donations only. It also severed its ties with the Army. Now, the Army gave up its role as the provider of day to day emergency care, shifting the burden to the Cruz Roja Mexicana. Thus, it became the sole designated caregiver in situations normally handled and paid for by governments in most parts of the world.

Today, both the Mexican Red Cross and the Mexican National Health Service, IMSS, maintain hospitals in all major cities. Larger cities also run Municipal Hospitals. However, the IMSS hospitals serve only those who can afford to pay a yearly fee of about $250.00 U.S. or work for companies that provide them with coverage. Those who cannot afford the premiums or are not covered by their employers, still must turn to either a Red Cross or Municipal Hospital for free care. By and large, emergency health care in big cities is good. That is not the case in small towns and villages.

Those who live outside large municipalities and are unable to pay for private care, are totally dependant on the Red Cross to provide emergency care and transport them to the nearest hospital that offers free service. At this time, there are over 418 delegations functioning within the country. More are needed.

A safety net for all who live or visit here, the quality of life in this country, particularly in rural areas, depends on the ability of the Cruz Roja to collect enough money to keep solvent. Those who live here permanently, visit as snow-birds, or even pay short visits, must recognize that when they help support the Cruz Roja Mexicana, the life they help save may be their own.

What it means to be volunteer for Red Cross?

A volunteer is any person who is thoughtful, compassionate and selfless that contributes an activity for the benefit of the community within the framework and objectives set out by the Mexican Red Cross.

Volunteers are the essence of the spirit of the Red Cross and part of the organization in all its aspects. Its implication for the development of the activities is crucial because they are those who are in direct contact with people and their needs.

Who can be a volunteer for Red Cross?

Anyone over 8 years of age, to decide freely to devote part of their time to participate in the actions of the Red Cross.
On average, the volunteer dedicates four hours per week to institutional activities.

A volunteer for Red Cross:
• Acts according to the institution's fundamental principles.
• Carries out an action for the benefit of the community.
• Activity is due to a program of action.
• Working Group and in an organized manner.
• Available for solidarity and participation.
• Acquires the necessary training for the development of the activity.

Where do volunteers work?

Volunteers work in program areas or committees of the Red Cross and in accordance with the assistance services.

You can participate through the coordination of:
• Cruz Roja Juventud (8-18 years)
• Volunteer ladies
• Veterans
• Social volunteer work
Required profile: spirit of service and capabilities for community work.

You can participate through the coordination of:
• Training
Required profile: training/instruction or education.

You can participate through the coordination of:
• Medical and nursing
• School of nursing
• Health specialities in the Centers of blood, lab, imaging, organ and tissue donation.
Required profile: studies in medicine, nursing, or areas of health. In the case of being student of these areas, you must have at least year experience in the educational environment.

You can participate through the coordination of:
• Relief
Required profile: have minimal technical training in emergency medical basics.

You can participate through the coordination of:
• Administration
• Communication and image
• Acquisition of funds
• Social volunteer work
Required profile: the professional skills according to the needs

What requirements I must meet?

• Commitment, selflessness and spirit of service.
• Positive and supportive attitude.
• Availability of time to attend Trainings (courses and workshops), average duration 4 to 8 hours on weekends at least once per month.
• Programs - assistance missions (Community action). Average of 4 to 8 hours on weekends, at least once per month.
• Comply with the disciplinary regulations and official registration (credentialization, life insurance).

What training should I have?

Institutional courses:
• Induction to the Red Cross.
• Institutional knowledge on the international movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent, as well as the Mexican Red Cross.
• Community first aid.
• Basic actions to save a life and deal with emergencies.
• Introduction to disaster.
• Knowledge about safety and action to disasters.
• Additional training - Preparation workshops related to the assistance programs and support.

How can I become a Red Cross volunteer?

1. Visit the website: www.cruzrojamexicana.org.mx
2. Download and complete the application form online (FORMATO 002).
3. Send the form by email: voluntariado@cruzrojamexicana.org.mx
4. You will receive confirmation and be contacted by a delegate of the Red Cross nearest to your location.