Beyond a day’s work
Children's Miracle Network C.A.R.E. Mobile
If those in need can’t come for help, take the help to them.
That has always been the mission of the Children’s Miracle Network
C.A.R.E. Mobile, but that mission was expanded recently to lend a hand
to victims of the tornadoes that struck May 4. Although primarily a mobile
 medical unit for kids, the staff saw an opportunity to use their resources
to assist those hit hardest by the damaging storms. So with a few supplies
and a large will to help, the staff set out the Monday following the
tornadoes to help in Battlefield, Mo.
Despite facing additional storms,
downed power lines and debris, the staff and some of their family members
teamed up with the American Red
Cross and Convoy of Hope to hand out supplies and provide first aid.
They proved to be a welcome addition to the volunteer efforts.
“
There were a lot of hugs and tears,” said Jacque Polo, CMN director,
who helped drive the van to the sites. “We did a lot of hand holding,
but I think for a lot of people we represented more help was on the way.”
In many cases the C.A.R.E. Mobile was able to help volunteers as well
as victims by providing food, water and tetanus shots. Most workers had
been on site helping since the early morning hours and many victims had
not stopped sifting through their belongings long enough to eat or they
had no means to obtain food.
The following days the C.A.R.E Mobile traveled to other tornado sites,
including Stockton, Pierce City, Monett, Urbana and Dallas County. There
they witnessed victims still dazed and shocked, some in need of medical
attention.  Although clean up and rescue efforts were well organized,
some victims had not sought help out of fearing of leaving their belongings.
Others simply had no way to seek help.
Trudi Scott, nurse practitioner with the C.A.R.E. Mobile, said the
staff found an 85-year-old man wandering alone and confused in Pierce
City.
His home had been destroyed and he had spent two nights sleeping under
a rug. After discovering the man was a diabetic, the staff assisted with
medications and worked with local officials to find him shelter.
“
We saw sights that just gave you an uncontrollable shiver,” said
Julie Rawlings, C.A.R.E. Mobile assistant. “But everyone was so
grateful we were there, instead of food and shots you would have thought
we were handing out money. I am just so glad we were able to help.”
From assessing damage and handing out diapers and supplies to providing
tetanus shots and a sympathetic ear to listen, the C.A.R.E Mobile continues
to bring new meaning to care on wheels.
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