The achievements and level of preparedness of St John Rescue Corps accomplished during last year, were today acknowledged during its Annual Review. The Minister for Home Affairs and National Security Carmelo Abela, inspected the Corps and recognized their dedication and commitment to support emergency services in times of distress.
During his speech, the Minister highlighted the value of volunteering and stated that the government is currently working to strengthen the role of volunteers. “Currently, we are drafting amendments to the legislation regarding Emergency Volunteer Reserve Force in the Armed Forces of Malta Act, and which in the coming months, will see an increase in participation and involvement of volunteers within Armed Forces of Malta”, stated Hon. Abela whilst encouraging more people to join volunteering groups and contribute towards the community.
Minister Abela remarked that the constant increase in the number of volunteers is a measure of the Corps’ success. In the past three years, the number of new members tripled from fifteen recruits per year to around fifty recruits.
The latest group recruited in January, is currently undergoing a training programme to qualify in six months time as Rescue Volunteers Class 1. He called on the importance of continuous self development training and congratulated the Corps for their diversity in training courses aimed at both beginner and skilled rescuer levels both locally and on an international level. “This shows your commitment to provide volunteers with highest levels of instructions, skills and knowledge including in first-aid, fire-fighting, cliff rescue, rescue diving and flood relief operations, so that they will become more effective and competent rescuers”, said Minister Abela.
Last year, ten St John Rescue Corps members travelled to the Federal Agency for Technical Relief in Germany to train with overseas professional rescue organizations from Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Another twenty one members undertook advanced rescue training with Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service in Liverpool.
St John Rescue Corps has around a hundred volunteers deployed in frontline operations with the average age of these volunteers being 22 years. The volunteers come from all walks of life including tertiary level students, nurses, teachers, clerical staff and many others. Since its inception, St. John Rescue Corps trained more than three thousand people, who, in cases of emergency can be called upon to provide assistance if required.
Last year, the Corps participated in more than fifty exercises and various community projects, including emergency call-outs with the Civil Protection Department. These activities ranged from participation in concerts to packing and loading food provisions for shipments on humanitarian operations such as the Bosnia Flood Relief Operation.
Various distinguished guests attended St. John Rescue Corps Annual Review including recently appointed Commander of St. John Malta Colonel Mark Mallia, British High Commissioner His Excellency Mr. Rob Luke and US Head of Mission at the US Embassy in Malta Mr. Kerry Flynn.