The International Medical Corps will recognise Research In Motion (RIM) at its 2011 Annual Awards Celebration in Los Angeles, US, next week for the role of BlackBerry smartphones in assisting disaster-recovery efforts globally, according to media reports.

International Medical Corps is a global, humanitarian, non-profit organisation that is a first responder, providing medical assistance and health care to populations that have been impacted by natural disasters, conflict, and disease. Other International Medical Corps award recipients this year include its Darfur country director, Dr Solomon Kebede, long-time supporter Andrew Barth, Wells Fargo, and actress and global ambassador Sienna Miller.

"We are recognising Research In Motion with the Global Impact Award for the role of BlackBerry smartphones in our operations on the front lines," said Nancy A Aossey, International Medical Corps president and CEO. "I can tell you that our use of BlackBerry smartphones literally saves lives."

As a first responder following the earthquake in Haiti, International Medical Corps was on the ground within 22 hours treating patients and co-ordinating medical personnel, supplies and providing other relief.