Civil Defence

With no increase in its annual grant from the Department of Defence for the past 2 years, 2009 saw Civil Defence at its busiest yet with 73 events attended, equating to 500 volunteers assisting, and equalled 506 hours of voluntary work. All this is achieved in conjunction with the qvolunteers’ jobs and family life. This is what Civil Defence is about, doing its best to be there for the community no matter what. It is thanks to the dedication of these volunteers that Civil Defence is able to continue to assist in time of need.

In addition to those volunteering hours, changes within the first aid skill, as laid down by Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council, Further Education & Training Awards (FETAC) and Occupational First Aid Assessment (OFAA), were introduced to the volunteer training program. 59 volunteers successfully qualified as Cardiac First Responders, 59 as Occupational First aiders. 6 volunteers are attending training to reach the level of Emergency First Responder. Examinations at this level take place in April 2010. Three volunteers are also attending training for Emergency Medical Technician and their examinations are due in June 2010.

With the economic downturn in full swing Civil Defence has seen an increase in calls from potential volunteers with time on their hands and an interest in the skills offered by Civil Defence in the hope that the skills attained will benefit them in the future.

Strategic plan for Civil Defence for 2010-2013 is currently being compiled and will be introduced in June 2010 outlining Civil Defence hopes and aspirations for the next three years.

 
- Civil Defence volunteer demonstrates First Aid as part of the training programme.