“This summer, many of us will be enjoying the beautiful Gozo beaches with our families. But accidents and mishaps do sometimes happen, so it is likely that some of us may need first aid, or even emergency support when getting into difficulty whilst swimming, falling on rocks or maybe with jellyfish stings.

The Emergency Response & Rescue Corps of Gozo boast over 90 young volunteers, who give up their own time to help others, many are still at school or college, others are in full-time work, but all are dedicated to the cause of the ERRC.

Apart from the beaches in the summer, you will also see the ‘Blue Caps’ at feasts, carnivals and public meetings etc, what you won’t see is the extensive training that all volunteers receive. Many of them go on to be Doctors, Nurses and Social Workers.

Unfortunately however, because of broken promises by the current Government, the ERRC are in danger of closing at the end of this year. In 2011 they were promised a base in Gozo to accommodate their ambulances and water rescue vehicles as well as a dedicated training centre, but the Government has reneged on its promise.

The vehicles continue to decay whilst parked in the streets outside volunteer’s homes. Vital training and development is hindered because of the lack of permanent training facilities.

For just a few days every five years, we have the chance to make a difference to our lives, please therefore; phone, email, or personally ask your candidate one question;

If elected, will you be giving the ERRC your full support?”

John Edwards,

The Emergency Response & Rescue Corps,

Gozo.

Permalink: “Broken Government promises may force closure of ERRC”