Last August, we attended and offered our assistance during the World Youth Day which was held in Köln.  On the 15 th of August, we left for Köln to spend a week there.  We were to work with Mr. Kai Bucmanster, one of the leaders of the Köln Red Cross disaster response unit.   Our work was conducted between the days of Tuesday till Friday. Saturday and Sunday were left as free days.

Between Tuesday and Thursday, we worked in the same stadium where some of the main events were being held for a period of between 12-14 hours a day.  On Friday our work was concentrated in a different   stadium for a different purpose. There was a soccer game between the Köln and another city team. On that evening it rained cats and dogs and we were lucky enough not to catch a bad cold!

Casualties were something normal since there were thousands of people.  The problems we faced varied from unconsciousness, dehydrations, stomach aches, insect bites, bleeding, shocks, etc. Although under   immense pressure we dealt with every singular person in the most professional way while I, would like to   praise the courageous effort of all those involved and the solidarity between us which left a very good       impression not only on us but also on all the people around us.

It was a very nice experience.  It was tough, painful, stressful but awarding.  We learned a lot from each other no matter the different cultures.  To conclude I sincerely hope that anyone that wishes to have this sort of experience to pluck up courage and look       forward for the next service that will be held.  So join in and be part of the Red Cross team.  The team was made up Etienne Micallef, Marita Micallef, Anthony Grech, Noel Attard, Joseph Sultana, Albert Palmier Rita Attard, Maryrose Sultana and Helen Callejja and last but not least Paul Portelli.