"On opening my eyes I could hardly move any muscle. My whole body was trapped in agony as pain feasted on my weakness. I tried to shout but words got stuck in my throat. The very breath I took was poisonous air corrupted by the foul gunfire smoke. Desperately trying to remain alive, I crawled over the battlefield that has been turned into an open graveyard.

At one point I saw a man coming towards me. He wasn't wearing a military uniform but carried a bag. Instantly I understood he was some kind of doctor.

'Vous êtes encore vivant.' (You're still alive.), he said in a soft, whispering voice. I wished I could talk to him for hours but instead I slowly fainted away."

The year 1859 saw the horrifying vision of a man become a hope for mankind. On the evening of June 24, Henry Dunant, a Swiss-born businessman and social worker, witnessed the aftermath of what later became known as the Battle of Solferino in present day Italy.

Mr. Dunant gave immediate help as to cease the pain of those vehemently inflicted. With the aid of local women, girls and a small number of doctors he spontaneously organized a rescue group under the slogan Tutti fratelli (All brothers).

The sour experience in Solferino led him to write a book in which he gave an insight of the many, various, troublesome problems that one can encounter when dealing with first aid on rescue missions. The book was printed and thousands of copies were given to political parties and military squads while Dunant himself traveled throughout Europe to promote his work.

On February 17, 1863, four years after the Solferino bloodshed, a formal meeting was held that officially launched the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Beginning with a few members, now the group (or society) has expanded its roots across the world and millions of volunteers brand the Red Cross/Crescent sign.

Malta's Red Cross saw its opening on the 24 of October, 1991. Gozo's branch was available to the public as from 16th February, 2002.

Why the Red Cross/Crescent signs? In what ways does the society work to improve our lifestyles? Who can become a member? Are the members all volunteers? What can I gain if I accept to be part of all this?

These are the most common questions we're asked while on duty. The answers are very simple. The sign, or emblem, was Dunant's himself idea. Since he was Swiss, and since the first meeting was held in Osterreich (Switzerland), he wished that the Society was represented by his hometown flag. The government for some reasons however disagreed and Dunant was left to change the symbol by inverting the flag's colors. The Red Crescent symbol came later and this was created due to religious-related debates.

The Red Cross Society's main scheme is to give first-hand aid in difficult, hazardous situations. Although in the past it worked closely only with soldiers wounded in wars, now it expanded to the point where it is also present during football matches, horse racing, public/schools first aid demonstrations, parties, festivals, social and religious activities, youth formation, abseiling and diving facilities, canine training, foreign trips to help/exchange our friends in various parts across the world, psychological studying and the list goes on and on.

Most recently a number of our members flew to Sri Lanka where the devastating Tsunami hit. Others gave help to our German associates during the Pope's visit in Koln (Cologne). In Tunis some went to extend their training skills in situations where a lot of effort is required.

Apart from our regular on-the-line-of-fire services we also continuously teach our volunteers on how to improve their knowledge so to avoid unwanted procedures to take place during a delicate, perilous situation. All of this is done with a target set straight in our minds: protect life no matter whom the person is, their color, nation, culture, religion, opinions.we treat everybody with the strictest confidence and as if they were real members of our private families.

The Red Cross Society is open for everyone who wants to lend a hand. You can either be 6 or 86 years old, we're ready to give you a warm welcome and to help you understand our business with people's lives. We just ask you two things in return: your fullest attention and fiery eagerness. From us you can learn how to deal with unexpected cases where you probably will be on your own in your everyday life. Instead of panicking, we can show you ways on how to calm difficult moments and be there where nobody else can, or even dreams of. This is by far the worst-case scenario that you can go through but with our expert help you should find it easier to handle where others fail miserably.

All the helpers are volunteers and they give their time to assist others. We aren't paid by money but with respect from the people we help. To achieve friendship with our patients is the best and most satisfying reward we can get. A service like ours influenced by money is not a genuine service.

Convinced now that you want to be a Red Cross volunteer? Just feel free to contact us and we'll soon give you plentiful of ideas and methods on how to become a self-sufficient rescue person. The doors for you're open. You just have to join. We're there when needed.