In every field of professional practice, there are individuals who set exemplary precedents that are emulated by those who come after them. By virtue of their outstanding skills and competencies in a particular area, such individuals set high standards in terms of professional behaviour (Ardalan, 2010) . There are times when the sheer will of one person culminates into changes that are felt across a wider and unimaginable scope. This is usually because the individual views the world in a unique way and does not shy away from making the world around them to practice and share in their own ideals. Clara Barton was one such individual (Egenes, 2017) . Due to her exemplary commitment to the maintenance of life in the face of danger, Clara Barton started the American Red Cross (Ardalan, 2010) . This paper is therefore going to analyse Clara Barton’s contributions to medical practice and how her efforts have led to a change in focus and attitude towards emergency medical response.
Historical Background of Clara Barton
Clara Barton was just a common woman like any other serving at the U.S. patent office based in Washington DC when the civil war began. Like many of her peers at the time, she embarked in efforts to help the soldiers during the war. Clara was particularly affiliated to the Union soldiers and therefore most of her efforts in the early days of the war were directed towards getting bandages for the union soldiers (Egenes, 2017) . Clara however had enough of the inadequacy in collecting and supplying bandages. Her heart wanted so badly to help the soldiers and this she felt she could do best by being down in the battlefield with the soldiers (Ardalan, 2010) . Therefore, Clara set off into the battlefield and started offering services to soldiers including cooking and nursing of injuries.
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Her exploits earned her widespread repute and a soft spot among the union soldiers who tagged her ‘Angel of the Battlefield’. After the war, Clara travelled to Europe. It was in Europe that Clara found something that resonated with her ideological sense. In Geneva, Switzerland, the Red Cross society had already been formed and it was there that her ideas of helping people in the battlefield during war time were compounded into a desire for action (Egenes, 2017) . The Switzerland-based Red Cross was advocating for international agreements that would see to the protection of soldiers during war as well as the formation of national societies that would accommodate volunteers willing to offer their services to soldiers in distress (Ardalan, 2010) . Upon her return to America, Clara Barton martialed influential friends such as Frederick Douglas into the formation of the American Red Cross in 1881. Barton served as the president for the newly formed organization until her retirement in 1904.
Effect on Nursing
The effects of Barton’s actions cannot be quantified in enough words. Through her own personal self-sacrifice and her desire to put her life on the line to save the life of others, Barton has catalysed others who have followed in her roots to volunteer as members to the American Red Cross (Egenes, 2017) . Nurses are now generally aware of their role in times of crisis and they are equally committed to putting their lives on the line for the purposes of saving others. Frontline medical care in terms of crisis has also adopted Clara Barton’s approach to giving care in times of crisis (Ardalan, 2010) . Today’s society is liable to many circumstantial disasters. In America alone, natural disasters have ranged from wildfires and earthquakes to catastrophic earthquakes that have left a wave of death in their wake.
In the face of these disasters, we have seen young people from all parts of the gender and racial divides volunteering to save the lives of those affected. The American Red Cross itself has expanded and grown in unimaginable proportions since its introduction in 1881. Started with the primary goal of giving relief to soldiers during wars and civil conflicts, the organization has now grown to become an ever present reliever in times of distress. The organization offers emergency aid services to people in dire need of medical attention (Egenes, 2017) . Clara Barton’s efforts have therefore not only led to a willingness among nurses to put their lives on the line to help others in situations of extreme distress but also to the formation of an immaculate institution in the form of the American Red Cross.
Prediction for Future Needs
From Clara’s actions, the future generation is likely to be inspired to volunteer their services to help others who are in extreme distress by joining the Red Cross for instance. Clara’s actions have also changed the social perception of the extents of bravery that women can go to (Egenes, 2017) . Clara’s bravery is a testament that all genders have the capacity to face mortal danger in equal measure. Future young ladies who will be faced with similar situations are likely to look back on Clara’s exploits and find courage to go out of their comfort zones to engage in actions that will save the lives of many.
Conclusion
Clara Barton was not only an exemplary character but she was also an initiator. From a simple desire to do well, Clara ended up serving the Union soldiers in a manner that was nothing short of exemplary. Her achievements were typified by the start of the American Red Cross which has now grown to be an impressive organization. Clara’s efforts have resulted into the growth of the spirit of volunteering. Many young people are now willing to volunteer and help others in the face of disasters such as the earthquakes, wildfires and hurricanes affecting the U.S. Finally, for the future generation, should young women find themselves in a position where they are called on to offer help in the face of danger, Clara’s efforts should offer them hope and confidence.
References
Ardalan, C. (2010). Clara Barton's 1898 Battles in Cuba: A Reexamination of Her Nursing Contributions. Florida Atlantic Comparative Studies Journal , 12 (1).
Egenes, K. J. (2017). History of nursing. Issues and trends in nursing: Essential knowledge for today and tomorrow , 1-26.
