Locals volunteer at Olympics

It may be working behind the scenes, but plenty of Las Vegans are involved in the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games.

More than 700 American Red Cross volunteers from Nevada and Utah went through a series of training classes in preparation to support the Winter Games, and several locals are stationed around the 17 first aid stations serving athletes and visitors around Salt Lake City. Around 500 medical responders work in teams of five, rotating from fixed sites to roaming teams to provide first aid where necessary.

Ed Ruttan, a Henderson resident, is helping to coordinate volunteer efforts and working as the Nevada and Utah manager of Disaster Services. Ruttan has been stationed at the Red Cross Operation Center since Feb. 15 and will stay through Sunday.

The Red Cross chapter in Las Vegas is serving as the lead disaster agency during the Olympics, with staff and volunteers in Nevada ready to support Utah in the event of a disaster.

"If something were to happen, I-15 would probably be the most favorable route to access the site," Ruttan said of Las Vegas' proximity to Utah. "What we learned from Sept. 11 is that the closure of airports is something that could happen, and we would still have to gain access to the area. Plus, Las Vegas has all the resources needed."

The Las Vegas Red Cross had to coordinate not only local assistance, but the plans for more volunteers to come to town and then continue to disaster headquarters in Salt Lake City. The effort is ongoing evidence of the increased security and preparation surrounding this year's Olympics, a necessity in the wake of Sept. 11.

"Everybody has always been pro-Olympics, and no one wanted to see them stopped," Ruttan said. "I think people see that as a threat, as if they are surrendering something by not carrying out these Games. But the Red Cross and all the surrounding agencies have worked hard to prepare and keep things going, and security efforts are just outstanding."

The American Red Cross has provided first aid services for the Olympics for the last 24 years, but the disaster preparation activities for the 2002 Games far exceed anything the Red Cross has done in the past.

Other Las Vegans to participate in volunteer efforts include Bill James and Jerry Meardy, who helped prepare first aid stations in Salt Lake City through Feb. 6, and Dave and Joy Kroeger, who are working at the operations center and first aid stations.

Some Nevada volunteers were in Utah as early as Feb. 3 to align information centers and first aid stations, which are set up in Salt Lake City, Park City, Provo and Logan and various sporting venues.

Disaster assistance is provided by the Red Cross without charge, made possible by voluntary donations. Contributions can be made now to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund by calling 1-800-435-7669. For more information, check online at www.redcross.org.


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