How to help with the immediate consequences of this event both in the short term and the long term and how to deal with the stress yourself or to help children deal with it are important issues. The ideas below are an aggregate of the information suggested or provided by our members.

Give Life
(Blood, Time, Money)

Give Blood. Blood supplies do not cross international boundaries, but are used in the country in which they were collected. The survivability of blood depends on its processing. Whole blood containing platelets necessary for coagulation lasts only a few hours or days. Whole blood with platelets removed containing red and white blood cells necessary for the fighting of infection and metabolism will last forty-two days. Blood plasma, with platelets and red blood cells removed will last one hundred eighty days approximately. In the first minutes and hours of any incident of injury, the first priority is to stabilize the victim, including the immediate removal of foreign objects if feasible, but not necessarily reconstruction. Stabilization frequently may include the infusion of whole blood to restore blood volume lost. Compatibility of blood type is a major issue. Secondary issues include reduction of response to trauma (shock) and infection where necessary. Once the victim has been stabilized, the important consideration of reconstruction and restoration of function can take place. These issues may require extensive surgeries and an additional infusion of whole blood or blood product to replace blood volume lost during invasive procedures. In burn victims, the epidermal surfaces have literally been cooked and continue to cook until the heat is completely displaced or dissipated. The body expends all fluids it can to lubricate, hydrate, and cool the skin and surrounding tissue, literally expelling blood plasma until the damage is healed. The amount of time in healing is dependent on two main factors under ideal conditions: percentage of the body surface damaged and age of the victim. That is: a twenty year old burned over twenty percent of his or her body will have a 60% survival rate and require a minimum of forty days of healing time before reconstruction and physical therapy can begin. Daily transfusion of blood plasma may be necessary. Giving blood, therefore, is indeed giving life. In the wake of the attack on the World Trade Center, people across the country rushed to give blood. We applaud their sacrifice and concern, their desire to help, but it merely forestalled need for a short time. What we mean is: this should be considered neither a one time offering nor one for which the need has past. Indeed, should America go to war as has been suggested, the demand for blood will become more acute. Consider, then, establishing a schedule when you can volunteer the gift of life. For the nearest Red Cross blood donation center to you, see http://www.redcross.org or call 1-800-Give Life (448-3543). Give Time. We refer again to the tragedy of September 11, 2001. In the wake of this disaster, the response of the public was very heartwarming, but it also overwhelmed blood clinics. They simply did not have the staff to handle the number of calls for appointments and walk-in volunteers. Some additional facts: under normal circumstances it takes about an hour to process a blood donor. This time includes the screening of the potential donor for disease, red blood cell count, and the gathering of pertainent information. Volunteers to help with screening of phone calls and paperwork are extremely necessary. You should contact your local Red Cross. Give Money. American Red Cross disaster assistance is free, made possible by voluntary donations of time and money from the American people. To help the victims of disaster, you may make a secure online credit card donation or call 1-800-HELP NOW (1-800-435-7669) or 1-800-257-7575 (Spanish). Or you may send your donation to your local Red Cross or to the American Red Cross, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C. 20013. See our links section for other charities and relief organizations.

Helping Children Through The Crisis

Dear Parents and Guardians: We are all shocked and saddened by today's events in New York City and Washington, D.C. The victims and their families will be in our thoughts and prayers for a very long time. Several parents have called the school with questions regarding ways to handle the issues with the children. Here are some recommendations: Keep the T.V., radio and Internet off, especially for elementary children. For older children, limit access; Keep younger children protected from adult anxiety as much as possible; Answer questions honestly. Saying "I Don't Know" is okay; Assure children we are in a safe place and will all take good care of them; Keep as normal a routine as possible; For those children who have suffered a direct loss of a loved one in this catastrophe, please let us know immediately so we can offer more support; Remember that this affects us as adults. Find support for yourself but try not to dwell on T.V. watching. Give yourselves a break--hug and enjoy your children. Please call if there is additional help we can offer. Sincerely, Principal School Counselor School Psychologist Other suggestions: Be completely honest. If you are distressed or anxious, your child will feel this too. It's okay to admit to your fear, just don't let it cripple you. Encourage your child to talk about what they are feeling. Admitting your own feelings first helps. "You know, all this stuff going on has me worried. How do you feel about it?" Never suggest that fear or anxiety are inappropriate. "You don't have to worry. Everything is going to be okay." Find activities that you and your child can do together, particularly activities that help the child feel as if what you are doing is useful (see our Links Section for a list of some ideas). Presented by: moma_dee (38/F/Sudbury, ON) [Message 66, 9/11/01 5:30 pm]