A course that covered disaster response was undertaken by 7 of Malta Red Cross Gozo branch members.  The course was spread over three weeks and covered Rome, Legnano (Lombardia), Savvona,Campo Marone Genova, Livorno    Tuscanny.

Course subjects included; mass casualty accidents, tentage, abseiling techniques, rope rescue, basic air evacuation of casualties, NBCR (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical, Radioactive) procedures, psychological  support (for victims &      relatives), logistical support, ambulance service, casualty moulage, advanced life support, setup of camps, triage etc.  The group was also introduced to several Red Cross Branches from Italy and head office staff.

They were met by Com. Alberto  Rossano head of the       Special Rescue and Response Unit in Rome, Mr Toni Luvera, Head of the K9 unit Rome, Mr Marco Barrucci, who is in the Water Rescue Department.

After spending 2 days in Rome, we travelled by van to Lombardia, (approximately 6 hours). We were taken to a Red Cross Military installation and    centre for emergency response. Within minutes we were made at home,  rooms were assigned.  Courses started the following day, timetables were distributed and off we went.  The Legnano Camp, operations control room  serves for practically all  Northern Italy, with members of the squad also being deployed all over the globe. Sri Lanka, Baghdad, America etc.

Part of the course was also to see how the military Red Cross provides aid in humanitarian needs. Imagine a convoy of trucks spanning from Mgarr Harbour to The Institute in Ghajnsielem, and that’s just from one Branch!. Such a convoy would consist of a fully mobile and self efficient control room (including communication networks, satellite, board room, and consoles. All in one semi trailer), generators, personnel carriers, trucks with tents (pneumatic and static), food       supplies water purification units, PMA (advanced medical post, including operating stretchers, dentist chairs, etc), not to mention all the support vehicles ranging from 4WD’s and even an ATV (all terrain vehicle).  We also took part in a post for a concert (Gigi d’Alesio)

Mounting the Pneumatic Tent

Genova, and Livorno, were both ideal locations as we were able to put some practise to use.  Over to Genova / Savona, where we also put to the test and assisted in a real life accident. Where we were shown the intricacies of rope rescue, basket handling, and how to  imitate a bat. (Free sailing and dangling upside down).  Livorno is a seaside port that basically resembles the type of services that we offer to the public here in Gozo. Where we were helping them with patient transfers, observing how the Italian health department (hospitals), utilise the triage system in everyday use.  Tents were next on the list, we had been shown different types of tents on    PowerPoint presentations but now it was time to get up close and personal with them.  We had to erect a static tent measuring 3m x 3m inclusive of electricity panel and lights.  Which we did in only 12minutes!! ). Then we were shown how to use a pneumatic tent. Advance life support was a course that we had to do next; we were shown how to intubate a patient.

The group gained invaluable experience / knowledge from our Italian Counterparts.  A very heart full thank you went out from the group to our new friends.