Red Cross Adult Volunteer Division
Background
The Singapore Red Cross' Adult Volunteer Division (AVD) has a long history which dates back to its formation in 1952. Members of the AVD are committed to the service of the community-at-large, focusing on the provision of first aid coverage at major events. The AVD is organised into Chapters comprising of students from tertiary institutions like the Nanyang Technological University, National University of Singapore and the Singapore Polytechnic (Tertiary Chapters) as well as other adult volunteers (Non-Tertiary Chapters). The Division will be expanding its reach to include more young Singaporeans to be involved in its activities.
First Aid Public Duty & Disaster Preparedness
First Aid Public Duty remains an integral part of the activities of the AVD. Volunteers joining the Division are trained in first aid and other essential skills that will help them to perform these first aid duties with confidence, putting theory into practice. Each year, the members of the AVD clock more than 5,000 man-hours in covering public and private events like Road Runs, National Day Parade, festival celebrations and other national events.
The AVD also supports the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) in their Exercises Community Spirit (ECS), covering three to four ECS per year. The AVD members provide first aid coverage for the day and participate in Rescue Displays put up by the SCDF volunteers and staff. The active participation in the ECS equips the AVD members with valuable skills that would be called upon in times of emergency and disaster. Members of the public are made aware that the SRC is not only associated with first aid during peace times, but will be called upon to play its role in assisting the nation's rescue teams in times of disasters.
The AVD works closely with the Red Cross Ambulance Service in providing the above service.
Other AVD Activities
- Training. Courses such as the Ambulance Driver Course, Refresher First Aid Course, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Course, are among the few conducted by the AVD for its members periodically. Such training is provided to ensure that its members are fully equipped in disaster preparedness skills that would be crucial in times of emergencies and disasters.
- Welfare.Chapters organise regular visits to the Red Cross Home for the Disabled, volunteering their time in helping to befriend its residents. In addition, some tertiary Chapters organise regular hospital attachments and visits, as part of their welfare and community service efforts.
- International Humanitarian Assistance. The AVD in actively involved in the SRC International Humanitarian Assistance projects, such as the three Operasi Bhakti missions to Batam, the Humanitarian Food and Medical Relief Mission for the People of Indonesia, Operation Saonum (a Singapore-Lao Red Cross Bilateral Project) as part of the team that represented the SRC.
- Fund Raising. The AVD has been very active in assisting the SRC to raise needed funds for the services of the SRC. These include the annual Red Cross Flag Day, SRC Charity Draw, the Great Singapore Duck Race and others.
How You Can Help
Volunteers are welcome to contribute their time, skills and expertise with the SRC. Volunteers skilled in first aid are welcome to join the AVD in providing first aid coverage at national scale events. Training could be provided to interested volunteers.
If you need more information or want to join the Adult Volunteers, Please contact the Singapore Red Cross at (65) 6336 0269