On 16th February 2008, 50 youth and VAD members from the Malaysian Red Crescent Society, Island Chapter provided first aid standby duty during the Penang State Government Chinese New Year Open House. This event encompasses a large area stretching from Cheah Kongsi in Armenian street to Kampung Kolam and from Khoo Kongsi until Masjid Kapitan Keling. An ambulance together with it’s crew was also on standby on that day.

To ensure the smooth running of the activity, 5 Chapter officers were also on duty on that day.

This duty presented a very complex coverage situation. With limited Red Crescent members, we had the challenge of strategically placing first aid teams around a very large event venue.

By evening, the venue was filled with people that it became difficult to walk around. The first aid teams stationed around the venue relied on walkie talkies to relay situational information to the ambulance crew and the officers. For some of the younger members, that day was a real experience in covering a first aid duty in a large venue and large crowd.