Bank of Valletta has sponsored new rescue equipment for the Emergency Fire and Rescue Unit (EFRU), consisting of a rescue tripod complete with hand operated lifting devices, rescue harnesses and other specialised equipment used to facilitate rescue operations involving extraction of casualties from manholes, crevices and other similar situations .

Ivan Barbara, director of the Emergency Fire and Rescue Unit gave a demonstration on the use of the tripod during a visit by Godwin Said, Health and Safety Officer at Bank of Valletta, to the EFRU headquarters.

“Line rescue is very complex and requires a high level of training and resources,” said Mr Barbara while thanking Bank of Valletta for its support. “A tripod has been identified as a safe method of handling a rescue where height is an important consideration. It enables us to raise and lower the person being rescued, regardless of the environment, to a place of safety,” explained Mr Barbara.

Mr Barbara explained that the EFRU embraces the principles of teamwork, excellence, honesty and integrity among its members to improve their quality of life and that of the persons the unit assists.

More information on the EFRU can be found by visiting the website www.efru.net