VOTO in Action
This year, VOTO in Action organised three training sessions aimed at equipping its volunteers with the knowledge and practical skills needed to support patients safely and compassionately.
The first session, Patient Handling, was delivered by Krista Firman, who provided an informative and insightful training session in preparation for the annual pilgrimage to Lourdes.
This was followed by two training sessions held in June about Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults. These sessions explored the signs and indicators of potential safeguarding concerns across different age groups. Participants discussed how these concerns may present themselves in various ways, including individuals becoming secretive or reluctant to share information, children displaying challenging or disruptive behaviour at school, adults experiencing low self-esteem, and vulnerable individuals becoming increasingly isolated from family and friends. Recognising these signs is an important step towards ensuring that concerns are identified and addressed appropriately.
On Saturday, 17th October, VOTO volunteers took part in the final training session of the year, a practical First Aid Training session delivered by the Search and Rescue Unit of the Maltese Association of the Order of Malta. Participants were guided on how to recognise and respond appropriately to emergencies, with an emphasis on taking simple, potentially lifesaving actions at an early stage while always remaining within the limits of their training.
The session covered essential steps such as checking for safety and seeking permission where possible, recognising severe bleeding, the absence of normal breathing and other warning signs, calling 112 and providing an accurate location, and delegating tasks safely. Volunteers also learned about providing appropriate first aid, monitoring the patient until professional help arrives, and ensuring a safe and effective handover to emergency responders. Particular attention was given to respecting personal space, preparing for the arrival of the ambulance, and ensuring appropriate supervision of the group.
Through these three training sessions, VOTO in Action continues to demonstrate its commitment to volunteer preparation, patient safety and safeguarding. By investing in ongoing training and awareness, the organisation helps ensure that its volunteers are better prepared to respond to the needs of those in their care with confidence, sensitivity and compassion.
VOTO in Action extends its sincere gratitude to Deloitte Malta and The Brewhouse at Farsons for their generous support and for making their premises available for these training sessions.
