Red Cross Gozo upgrades ambulance fleet

The Gozo Branch of the Malta Red Cross has upgraded its ambulance fleet with the support of the Vodafone Malta Foundation.

“As an organisation that is almost totally dependent on individual and corporate subscriptions, sponsorships and donations, we are extremely grateful for the Foundation’s generous support, that has aided us to upgrade our look and visibility,” said Etienne T. Micallef, secretary general of the Malta Red Cross Gozo Branch.

“Our fleet of ambulances had suffered the effects of the weather and badly needed a spruce up. We can now boast of a fresh look, including brand new uniforms for our volunteers.”

The Red Cross’s ambulance teams provide First Aid at public events. The Vodafone Malta Foundation's funds have been utilised to respray the fleet and to deck it out in new colours. High-visibility signage has also been used to make the ambulances conspicuous on the roads, and get them compliant with EU legislation that regulates emergency service vehicles. Clear signage on uniforms serves as protection to the crew on duty and reflective markings enable them to be seen from a distance.

Gemma Mifsud Bonnici, chairman of the Vodafone Malta Foundation said: “The Malta Red Cross Gozo Branch deserves all the support it can get, in order to maintain the sterling service given by their highly-trained volunteers. In giving up their personal time and energy, these dedicated volunteers help the organisation keep its presence here alive and healthy, for the good of the community.”

The Gozo Branch forms part of the Malta Red Cross Society - an autonomous voluntary aid organisation independent of, and auxiliary to, the public authorities in the humanitarian field on the basis of the first Geneva Convention. The national society adhers to the rules and principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – the world’s largest humanitarian network embracing 97 million volunteers, supporters and staff in 186 countries.

The Gozo Branch is located in Xewkija at the Malta University Gozo Centre. The services provided locally include educational activities, social assistance, first-aid and fire-fighting courses and related training, disaster response and dog rescue unit. The volunteers that operate the ambulance service are trained as first responders or basic paramedics and their qualifications follow the latest standards in prehospital emergency care.