During the 2009 L'Aquila earthquake, Italian Red Cross (CRI) personnel played an important role in rescuing people and providing first aid care. Those with administrative and logistical skills and experience collaborated with the Department of Civil Protection to coordinate emergency operations.1. Creation of emergency institutionsThe central leader and coordinator, Francesco Rocca, general director of the national CRI, appointed extraordinary commissioner, was summoned by the Ministry of Civil Protection just after the disaster. He participated in the operation of the Situation Room to coordinate all emergency services aimed at relieving the population affected by the disaster (CRI, 2010). The commissioner also built the CRI national headquarters in Legnano as a sub-management agency to ensure all resources available to meet basic subsistence needs. In addition, CRI supported the local emergency line 118 to respond to mass calls and provide relief. In 72 hours, an entire territorial organization for operations in Abruzzo was created. (