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.”