1,600 people assisted by Red Cross volunteers in 2015

Just over 700 persons were assisted by lifeguards volunteering with the Malta Red Cross while another 900 persons were assisted by the NGO’s ambulance service team last year.

Most of the assistance provided by the Malta Red Cross last years was that of basic first aid, volunteers also faced serious incidents, some even life-threatening.

During 2015, the Malta Red Cross provided first aid services in 503 events and water rescue and lifeguarding services in eight venues. This added up to over 10,000 of man-hours.

First aid education services at different levels were provided to 4,000 people. 

In the past 12 months, Malta Red Cross also assisted 870 vulnerable individuals in restoring and maintaining family links. This included the provision of psychological support. 

Director General Paulette Fenech said that many of the accidents could have been avoided with some attention.

“Of course no one plans to be involved in an accident, but in most cases, exercising caution may prevent someone from getting injured,” she said, urging people to read and respect beach rules and to control alcohol intake.

“Event organisers should also make sure that appropriate first aid services are available during their events.”

President Edward Gruppetta said that any business, office or organisation should have their own trained first aid providers. 

“Knowledge about the administration of proper first aid techniques might literally save a life. Unfortunately we have had instances where lives might have been saved if those present knew basic first aid. However there were of course occasions were lives were saved by members of the general public who were able to administer first aid.  This is why we keep insisting that everyone should learn basic first aid techniques.”

The Malta Red Cross has ambulances, RHIBS (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat), a jet ski, a mobile operational centre and clinic, trucks and a national disaster hub. 

“We provide extensive training to our volunteers, who eventually are assigned duties during events or activities throughout the year. Being a Red Cross volunteer also means being prepared to assist people which many times isn’t just about first aid, but also about being able to handle different situations, sometimes emotionally challenging, with a professional but decisive attitude.  This can only be achieved by appropriate training throughout the year,” said Robert Brincau, director of operations.

The Malta Red Cross is appealing to all those interested in volunteering with the Society to visit the official Facebook page on www.facebook.com/maltaredcross or contact their offices on the following email [email protected].