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THE Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) Penang branch has assumed a role as the society’s Northern Logistics Hub for Disaster Response.

The branch chairman Ir. Saw Ewe Yong said the decision was made following the branch’s involvement in helping Kedah and Perlis during the recent floods and fire.  “For this role, the headquarters has provided the branch with two rescue boats,” he said.

He was at the presentation of service awards to 73 members in conjunction with World Red Crescent Day recently.

Saw said in the past, MRCS only provided ambulance and non-emergency services.  “We are now seriously looking into providing 24-hour emergency services,” he said.

During the last Deeparaya celebrations, the Penang branch of Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) treated an accident victim suffering from head injuries and a spinal fracture.

“We administered first aid and rushed him to the Penang Hospital. The victim survived,” said MRCS training officer G Karuna.  Now he and the other 300 members and 30 officers of MRCS are again gearing up for action during Chinese New Year.

There were also two cases where CPR (cardio pulmonary resuscitation) was given for cardiac arrest.  However, the victims were pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital, said Karuna, who is a small trader by profession.

The squad’s festive mobilisation exercise was launched Thursday by state Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Lau Chiek Tuan at his MCA Berapit service centre.

”Qualified first aid personnel will be on duty 24 hours a day from now until Feb 1, working in three shifts. “Four fully equipped ambulances are at our disposal and backed up by two four-wheel drive units,” said Lau, who is also the state MRCS branch secretary.

“Our vehicles are connected to all the government hospitals via the Penang Emergency Ambulance Radio Link (PEARL) system.”

“Two MRCS ambulances are on standby to serve Penang island, one for North Seberang Prai and one for Central and South Seberang Prai.”

A real-life emergency drama unfolded at the annual parade of the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRCS) Penang branch when the event’s emcee collapsed after suffering a heart attack.

Lim Kok Kong, 65, who is the secretary of the MRCS North Seberang Perai chapter, fell to the ground clutching his chest, about 10 minutes before the arrival of the Yang di-Pertua Negeri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas to grace the event at the Padang Polo grounds.

HELPING HAND: Dr Teo (left) and Dr.Chong giving CPR aid to Lim at the Padang Polo grounds.

Penang General Hospital medical officer Dr.Teo Aik Howe and MRCS North Seberang Perai Chapter chairman Dr.Chong Yew Hock at tent nearby rushed over to give Lim first aid with cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before rushing him to the Penang Hospital in a MRCS ambulance.

At press time, he was reported to be in stable condition but has been placed under observation at the hospital’s intensive care unit.

One MRCS member, who did not want to be identified, said Lim had been serving as the secretary of the North Seberang Prai chapter for the past 10 years.

“He was just standing near the microphone, waiting to announce the arrival of the Governor when he suddenly collapsed,” he said.

The parade, which began about 10 minutes after Lim was taken to the hospital, was participated by 28 MRCS units from the secondary and primary schools here.

The Bukit Mertajam High School team emerged champion in the youth unit march past category with SMK Berapit and SM Prai taking second and third spots respectively.  Besides, in link unit march past category, SJKC Keow Kuang Bukit Mertajam won the champion.

Abdul Rahman in his speech urged MRCS to take proactive measures to organise campaigns to attract more youngsters to become volunteer members.

The Boeing Company had donated an new Ambulance cost about RM150,000 to Malaysian Red Crescent Society Penang Branch in the MRCS Penang Fund Raising Annual Dinner 2004 at Shangri-La Hotel as their recognization on the execellent service that MRCS provided to the communities and its humanitarian works.

The donation was handled to His Excellency the State Governor of Penang, T.Y.T Tun Dato’ Seri Utama (Dr.) Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Abbas S.M.N., D.U.P.N., S.P.D.K., D.M.P.N., D.J.N. by The Boeing Region ACEO and witnessed by the MRCS Penang Branch Chairman Ir.Saw Ewe Yong.

The presented honorary guests were Mr.William Charlie – The United State Ambassador, Mr.Chan Hon Kwong, Mr.Lim Yam Koi and Mr.Lim Kim Chuan.

The Boeing is a company that provided largest fight service in the world and it has very wide global networks to 145 countries in the world.

There was also sponsorship from Renesas Semiconductor, Agilent Technologies, A.A.Anthony Security, Malaysia Trade & Transport Co., Oracle Corporation, Boon Siew, Mini-Circuits Technologies, The Penang Floral Art Society and etc.