A drowning 18-month-old boy narrowly escaped tragedy earlier this summer because of a quick intervention by Red Cross volunteers, who made it to Għadira only minutes after emergency calls were made.
The child was rescued by the volunteers as an ambulance from Mater Dei arrived as part of a project piloted this summer.
The group has for years worked in tandem with the health authorities, offering medical assistance during concerts and events that draw large crowds, or in cases of a disaster where large numbers of people are involved.
“We have our people on site within minutes, so by the time the ambulance arrives, the volunteers have assessed the situation and, if needed, given first aid,” Red Cross Malta head of operations Robert Brincau said yesterday.
Funded by the Voluntary Organisation Projects Scheme, the Red Cross are this year giving a helping hand with emergencies around the northern coast, stationed at different spots, including close to a number of beaches from Qawra all the way to Ġnejna.
As a result, Mr Brincau said, the response time for medical emergencies in Malta’s north has been cut down to about five minutes.
When an emergency call is made, the Red Cross teams are the first to be deployed, making it possible for anyone in distress to be treated immediately, rather than having to wait for an ambulance to reach the area. Volunteers, who are in constant contact with Mater Dei Hospital, give hospital personnel a clear indication of the assistance needed.
While the project has so far been hailed as a success, Mr Brincau said that it is was crucial for any bystanders to not get in the volunteers’ way, especially in cases of extreme emergencies, where every second could save a person’s life.
“People are getting used to the volunteers being out and about, but still, sometimes emotions run high and a lot of people panic.
“In the case of the 18-month-old, there were 24 calls made to 112 by people at Għadira. We appreciate all the support, but at the same time, volunteers need to be allowed to work,” the operations head said.
Red Cross Malta currently has over 100 volunteers.