December 2003

San Diego D.C.s rally to help firefighters

>>> WCA Board member says 'I've never been so proud'

Chiropractors are well known for their sense of dedication and their desire to help others. That puts them in the same category as another group of public servants: firefighters.

The two groups came together in Southern California last month during some of the worst wildfires experienced in the country. The devastation was so profound that, after touring the area, Pres. George W. Bush noted, "We have seen the worst of mother nature, but the absolute best of mankind."

The fire erupted Oct. 25, and within days was raging out of control, ultimately consuming some 729,000 acres. More than 14,000 fire fighters were called into action to battle the fires that destroyed thousands of homes and threatened thousands more. One firefighter was killed and many others injured and exhausted by the relentless task of containing the fire and rescuing residents of the area.

The question quickly became, "Who's helping the men and women fighting to save their homes, land and lives?"

Within days, the answer came back with resounding clarity: chiropractors!

Doctors of chiropractic throughout the San Diego area joined together to organize a massive volunteer effort to adjust evacuees, nurses and other volunteers.

Stan Shapiro, D.C., was first on site at the largest evacuee center, taking care of thousands of stranded people and volunteers. Others traveled through road blocks, road closures and straight into the fire lines looking for the fire fighters who needed care.

Drs. Sandra Castro, Steve Ronco and Matt Hubbard ended up 35 miles out of town where they finally found a group of exhausted fire fighters. What started as an evening adventure adjusting a few dozens men and women on the front lines, quickly turned into a mission that ended with over 200 emergency crew being adjusted by 11 p.m.

By early morning, after just a few hours sleep, they set up a makeshift "base camp," were the true service began. Within the next days, more than 60 doctors of chiropractic joined the effort. At last count, over 4,500 adjustments were given to all emergency crew, firefighters and service men and women.

According to Dr. Hubbard, a member of the World Chiropractic Alliance International Board of Governors and one of the primary organizers of the volunteer effort, only about 20% of these men and women adjusted had ever had chiropractic care before. "Their first chiropractic experience will not soon be forgotten," he said.

Starting at 5:30 a.m. each day, a group of volunteer D.C.s began adjusting. Others would take over during the day to make sure the base camp was never without a chiropractor.

Jason Grainy, D.C., was on the scene until midnight on more than one occasion.

"I've never been so proud as when I looked beside me to see eight of my close friends, all chiropractors from our Philosophy Forum, side by side while the sun was coming up, and having a line of exhausted men and women waiting to be adjusted. It was beautiful," recounted Hubbard.

"San Diego called and the chiropractors in and around this community responded with passion," he added. "Now the CDF (Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) medical staff has a personal understanding and appreciation for our chiropractic services and is working on making a separate and distinct contact for all D.C.s wanting to be involved.

"We have started the first CRC ‑‑ 'Chiropractic Relief Crew' ‑‑ that can be called upon in situations such as these," Hubbard announced. "Now that's a change in paradigm. The heart of a community was tested and it is strong. This reminds me why we are chiropractors ‑‑ to love, serve and give. We help acorns become oak trees!"