Order of Malta Ambulance Corps
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The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps (OMAC) is the largest voluntary ambulance and first aid organisation in Ireland. The Order of Malta is engaged in teaching medical first aid, providing ambulance cover at large events, patient transport, community and nursing services. Some Units of the corps are also involved with providing an emergency ambulance service such as the Tramore Unit of the corps. The ambulance corps is administered by the Order of Malta.
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[edit] Senior Members
The current National Director of the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps is Commander Winnie Maye D.M. Commander Maye was appointed to the position to replace Commander Peader Ward K.M. Dame Winnie Maye took office in January 2007.In common with all members of the Ambulance Corps, Commander Maye is a volunteer.She is assisted by a Deputy Director, two Assistant Directors, a Chief Medical Officer and a staff with responsibility for different areas of ambulance corps work.
The President of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (Irish Assoc.) and the Ambulance Corps is Judge Peter Smithwick K.M.,K.C.S.G.
[edit] History
The first Unit was founded in Galway in 1938 to provide first aid ambulance services to the city and Connaught. Today, the ambulance corps is a national organisation with 4,000 members involved in 80 Units across the Island of Ireland.For administration purposes, the country is divided into regions which are managed by regional directors.Each region consists of a number of units which deliver services at local level. The organisation operates over 130 ambulances, mobile accident and emergency suites, support vehicles, medical bikes and command centres.
The organisations headquarters are located in the exclusive Clyde Road area of Ballsbridge Dublin. Within the building there are modern lecture halls for training and a command and control centre to coordinate vehicles and personnel in the event of major incidents or duties.
[edit] Ranks of the Ambulance Corps
Cadet Ranks (Ages 10-16)
Adult Ranks (Ages 16+)
- Volunteer
- Corporal
- Sergeant
- Adjutant
- Second Lieutenant
- First Lieutenant
- Captain
- Commandant
- Assistant Commander
- Commander
- Assistant National Director
- Deputy National Director
- National Director
Rank markings are an iron-on transfer placed between the shoulder and elbow. All members wear an Epaulette with the Maltese Cross. Different colour are used to denote medical qualifications.
- Grey for members trained in First Aid and First Responder
- Black for member of the Clergy
- Green for Emergency Medical Technician and Paramedic
- Blue for Nurse
- Red for Medical Doctor
[edit] Uniform
The Uniform most commonly worn is the working uniform (2008) which consists of:
- Dark grey jacket
- Sweater
- Official pilot shirt
- Cravat
- Cap
- Epaulette
- Plain or combat trousers depending on duty location
- Hi-Vis rain jacket depending on duty location
- Light hi-vis jacket depending on duty location
- Rain trousers depending on duty location
- Safety boots or shoes
- Safety helmet depending on duty location and incident involved
Members may also wear a dress uniform on formal occasions. This consists of a military pattern tunic and trousers in grey, a white shirt and black tie and black shoes. A peaked cap is worn, the type depending on whether it is worn by an officer or other member. On certain occasions, male officers may wear a brown leather Sam Brown belt with brown leather gloves.
[edit] Flag Ship Unit
The Order of Maltas flag ship unit based in Tramore in Co Waterford carry out 999 calls along side the HSE ambulance service. According to the old website they average 350 - 400 calls a year which range from Cardiac Arrests to RTA and tranfers from Doctors Surgeries
[edit] External links
- Order of Malta Ambulance Corps - official website
