The First Medical Responder (FMR) is a unique programme of the Red Cross where members from within the community are trained in various aspects of handling situations post disaster, like First Aid, health and sanitation, psycho-social support etc. Thereafter, Jeevan became a life member of the IRCS. In April 2013, he attended the CFMR refresher training held in Uttarakhand. And soon, it was time to put to use all his learnt skills, as within a span of two months, one of the worst disasters, in recent times hit Uttarakhand where many lost lives and many more lost their homes and livelihood.

Jeevan is a BA final year student in a university in Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand. But his real call, where his heart resides…is volunteering. When the cloud burst tragedy occurred in Uttarakhand in June 2013, Jeevan left the security of his hostel, and started his climb, up the mountains armed with nothing but a first aid tool kit provided by the Indian Red Cross Society. Helping whoever he could reach, with first aid, basic direction information, psycho-social support and all that his humane spirit could gather. He says with pride, “I walked and climbed 22 kms on foot, when everyone at the plains level told me, its dangerous”.

Jeevan has been given many roles by the Indian Red Cross Society. He is part of the National Disaster Response Team formed at the National Headquarters, which is activated as soon as disasters strike. They are given trainings from time to time to hone their response skills. Jeevan’s efforts have also been awarded by the state and the state branch. Jeevan smiling shyly says, “I now want to buy a foldable tent and a digital camera, so that the next time something goes wrong, I will have a place to spend the night while travelling and extending help. I have even readied some of my friends who will go with me, as this area come under zone 5 of the risk vulnerability criterion.”