Adequate regulation to ensure that first aid courses offered by various entities, reflect expected international standards, are urgently required.  

Member of the European Parliament Miriam Dalli emphasized that in today’s world a basic course in first aid is essential, and that is why we need to assure the availability of high quality first aid courses. An authority that can certify that the courses being offered reflect the most recent guidelines established by the competent authorities, can help in this regard.

During a visit to the Malta Red Cross Headquarters in Pembroke, Miriam Dalli was informed about how the society is offering a number of courses in this field, and what systems are utilised during the different learning programmes offered by the Malta Red Cross. In fact, the society trains hundreds of persons every year in first aid. 

During the visit, the Director General of the Malta Red Cross, Paulette Fenech, said that the latest investment carried out by the Red Cross was the purchase of a medically equipped vehicle that makes it possible to reach an incident spot in the shortest time possible.

This vehicle was purchased in June of this year and used as part of a pilot project that focuses on the north of the island during the summer months, when this region of the island welcomes a large number of tourists. In just three months, officials from the Red Cross were able to offer assistance in more than 650 cases.

While the majority of cases were minor incidents, the Malta Red Cross also faced a number of serious incidents. Thanks to the Malta Red Cross’, together with a team from Mater Dei Hospital and the Civil Protection unit, a number of persons were saved from life threatening situations.

The Society benefitted from a little under €25,000, thanks to a project scheme for voluntary organisations.  President of the Malta Red Cross Society, Mr Edward Gruppetta said that a voluntary organisation such as the Red Cross is dependent on such funds.

During the visit it was explained that the Pembroke Red Cross center is able to assist emergency services in cases of natural disasters, complementing the operations of the emergency forces of the state. This center is currently able to offer shelter for approximately 500 persons, while also being in a position to offer emergency treatment to another 100.

Robert Brincau, Head of Operations spoke about the important role of the volunteers which currently stands at 100. Besides being present during a number of public activities, many were committed to providing first aid at a number of beaches around Malta. This initiative was taken following a number of specialized courses given to volunteers throughout the year.

“It is imperative that the Red Cross, which has for many years been an important ally of the Department of Health and that of Civil Protection, continues to be given the necessary help by the State so that it continues delivering such a necessary service in the best way possible”, concluded Dr Miriam Dalli.