Red Cross ready to boost B.C. emergency crews in event of the Big One

VANCOUVER – Red Cross teams will have B.C.’s back, should a major earthquake strike the West Coast and local emergency workers get overwhelmed.

The province has signed a formal agreement with the agency that ensures its Canadian arm is regularly involved in planning for a natural disaster.

The partnership will include ensuring Red Cross Emergency Response Units — which are trained personnel and equipment that can be deployed within two days — will be ready to assist B.C. in the event of a major catastrophe.

John Byrne, of the Canadian Red Cross, says up to 200 people from Canada could be called on first if a large quake hits, then teams from the U.S. and abroad would be called upon.

He says his organization has great confidence in the emergency response plans the province currently has in place.

Attorney General Shirley Bond says the partnership will not cost more, but lays out protocol and ensures there is backup resources to help local teams if necessary.