Order of Malta Ambulance Corps
Encyclopedia
The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps is the largest voluntary ambulance and first aid organisation of its kind in Ireland
. The Order of Malta is engaged in teaching first aid
, providing ambulance cover at large events, patient transport, community and nursing services. The Order of Malta has 4,000 volunteers throughout the Island of Ireland The ambulance corps is administered by the Order of Malta.
The President of the Irish Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Sir Adrian FitzGerald
KM, 6th Baronet, 24th Knight of Kerry.
Thirteen men were recruited by Professor O'Malley: six sixth year students from St. Josephs College "the Bish", Secondary School; four members from C.Y.M.S., Galway ; two Scout Masters; and one "lay" member. These thirteen members were the founder members of the ambulance corps in Galway .
The new recruits were enrolled on a series of First Aid lectures, given by Professor O'Malley in the X-Ray Department of the Central Hospital . The bandaging was taught by Theatre Sister Mary Shaughnessy. Examinations in First Aid were held in January
1938, and all were successful. In February 1938 First Aid services were requested for a National League match in Castlebar. The duties were allocated in Alphabetical Order- "Burke" and "Coogan" were first on duty.
The first Officer in Charge of the Galway Unit was Sgt. Timothy Murphy, and a second unit was formed in 1941.
The ambulance corps is a national organisation with 4,000 members involved in 78 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 165 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.
Adult Ranks (Ages 16+)
Non-Commissioned Officers Ranks
Commissioned Officers Ranks
Volunteers wear epaulettes with a Maltese Cross
while members holding a rank wear an epaulette with the Maltese Cross
plus rank markings on the shoulders of the uniform. Different colour epaulettes are used to denote various medical qualifications and if a member is a member of the Catholic
Clergy
.
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.
Region 1
Region 2
Region 3
Region 4
Region 5
Region 6
Region 7
Region 8
Region 9
Region 10
Region 11
Ireland
Ireland is an island to the northwest of continental Europe. It is the third-largest island in Europe and the twentieth-largest island on Earth...
. The Order of Malta is engaged in teaching first aid
First aid
First aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
, providing ambulance cover at large events, patient transport, community and nursing services. The Order of Malta has 4,000 volunteers throughout the Island of Ireland The ambulance corps is administered by the Order of Malta.
Senior Members
The current National Director of the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps is Commander Winnie Maye D.M. Commander Maye succeeded Commander Peader Ward K.M., who served two terms, as National Director. 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 Irish Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta Sir Adrian FitzGerald
Adrian Fitzgerald
Sir Adrian James Andrew Denis FitzGerald, 6th Baronet, 24th Knight of Kerry is a hereditary knight, a Conservative Party politician in the UK, and former Mayor of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.-Family:...
KM, 6th Baronet, 24th Knight of Kerry.
History
The first unit of the Order of Malta Ambulance Corps began in 1937, when Professor Conor O'Malley, a Galway Doctor was asked by the Marquis McSweeney, the then Chancellor of the Irish Association to recruit members to form an Ambulance Corps, aimed initially for Connaught only.Thirteen men were recruited by Professor O'Malley: six sixth year students from St. Josephs College "the Bish", Secondary School; four members from C.Y.M.S., Galway ; two Scout Masters; and one "lay" member. These thirteen members were the founder members of the ambulance corps in Galway .
The new recruits were enrolled on a series of First Aid lectures, given by Professor O'Malley in the X-Ray Department of the Central Hospital . The bandaging was taught by Theatre Sister Mary Shaughnessy. Examinations in First Aid were held in January
1938, and all were successful. In February 1938 First Aid services were requested for a National League match in Castlebar. The duties were allocated in Alphabetical Order- "Burke" and "Coogan" were first on duty.
The first Officer in Charge of the Galway Unit was Sgt. Timothy Murphy, and a second unit was formed in 1941.
Modern Ambulance Corps
Today, the ambulance corps is committed to providing services in a Christian, caring and non-discriminatory environment, irrespective of race, religious beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.The ambulance corps is a national organisation with 4,000 members involved in 78 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 165 ambulances, mobile accident and emergency suites, support vehicles, medical bikes and command centres.
The organisations headquarters are located in the exclusive Clyde Road
Clyde Road
Clyde Road runs from Wellington Place to a junction with Pembroke Road and Herbert Park in Ballsbridge. It intersects Raglan Road, Elgin Road and Wellington Road....
area of Ballsbridge
Ballsbridge
Ballsbridge is a suburb of Dublin, Ireland, named for the bridge spanning the River Dodder on the south side of the city. The sign on the bridge still proclaims it as "Ball's Bridge" in recognition of the fact that the original bridge in this location was built and owned by a Mr...
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.
Ranks of the Ambulance Corps
Cadet Ranks (Ages 10–16)- CadetCadetA cadet is a trainee to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. The term comes from the term "cadet" for younger sons of a noble family.- Military context :...
- CadetCadetA cadet is a trainee to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. The term comes from the term "cadet" for younger sons of a noble family.- Military context :...
CorporalCorporalCorporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4.... - CadetCadetA cadet is a trainee to become an officer in the military, often a person who is a junior trainee. The term comes from the term "cadet" for younger sons of a noble family.- Military context :...
SergeantSergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
Adult Ranks (Ages 16+)
- Volunteer
Non-Commissioned Officers Ranks
Non-commissioned officer
A non-commissioned officer , called a sub-officer in some countries, is a military officer who has not been given a commission...
- CorporalCorporalCorporal is a rank in use in some form by most militaries and by some police forces or other uniformed organizations. It is usually equivalent to NATO Rank Code OR-4....
- SergeantSergeantSergeant is a rank used in some form by most militaries, police forces, and other uniformed organizations around the world. Its origins are the Latin serviens, "one who serves", through the French term Sergent....
- AdjutantAdjutantAdjutant is a military rank or appointment. In some armies, including most English-speaking ones, it is an officer who assists a more senior officer, while in other armies, especially Francophone ones, it is an NCO , normally corresponding roughly to a Staff Sergeant or Warrant Officer.An Adjutant...
Commissioned Officers Ranks
- Second LieutenantSecond LieutenantSecond lieutenant is a junior commissioned officer military rank in many armed forces.- United Kingdom and Commonwealth :The rank second lieutenant was introduced throughout the British Army in 1871 to replace the rank of ensign , although it had long been used in the Royal Artillery, Royal...
- First LieutenantFirst LieutenantFirst lieutenant is a military rank and, in some forces, an appointment.The rank of lieutenant has different meanings in different military formations , but the majority of cases it is common for it to be sub-divided into a senior and junior rank...
- Captain
- CommandantCommandantCommandant is a senior title often given to the officer in charge of a large training establishment or academy. This usage is common in anglophone nations...
- Assistant CommanderCommanderCommander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
- CommanderCommanderCommander is a naval rank which is also sometimes used as a military title depending on the individual customs of a given military service. Commander is also used as a rank or title in some organizations outside of the armed forces, particularly in police and law enforcement.-Commander as a naval...
- Assistant National DirectorDirector-generalThe term director-general is a title given the highest executive officer within a governmental, statutory, NGO, third sector or not-for-profit institution.-European Union:...
- Deputy National DirectorDirector-generalThe term director-general is a title given the highest executive officer within a governmental, statutory, NGO, third sector or not-for-profit institution.-European Union:...
- National DirectorDirector-generalThe term director-general is a title given the highest executive officer within a governmental, statutory, NGO, third sector or not-for-profit institution.-European Union:...
Volunteers wear epaulettes with a Maltese Cross
Maltese cross
The Maltese cross, also known as the Amalfi cross, is identified as the symbol of an order of Christian warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta and through them came to be identified with the Mediterranean island of Malta and is one of the National symbols of Malta...
while members holding a rank wear an epaulette with the Maltese Cross
Maltese cross
The Maltese cross, also known as the Amalfi cross, is identified as the symbol of an order of Christian warriors known as the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Malta and through them came to be identified with the Mediterranean island of Malta and is one of the National symbols of Malta...
plus rank markings on the shoulders of the uniform. Different colour epaulettes are used to denote various medical qualifications and if a member is a member of the Catholic
Catholic
The word catholic comes from the Greek phrase , meaning "on the whole," "according to the whole" or "in general", and is a combination of the Greek words meaning "about" and meaning "whole"...
Clergy
Clergy
Clergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. A clergyman, churchman or cleric is a member of the clergy, especially one who is a priest, preacher, pastor, or other religious professional....
.
- Grey for members trained in First AidFirst aidFirst aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. It is usually performed by non-expert, but trained personnel to a sick or injured person until definitive medical treatment can be accessed. Certain self-limiting illnesses or minor injuries may not require further medical care...
,Cardiac First Responder, [Emergency First Responder] and Emergency Medical TechnicianEmergency medical technicianEmergency Medical Technician or Ambulance Technician are terms used in some countries to denote a healthcare provider of emergency medical services... - Black for member of the ClergyClergyClergy is the generic term used to describe the formal religious leadership within a given religion. A clergyman, churchman or cleric is a member of the clergy, especially one who is a priest, preacher, pastor, or other religious professional....
- Green for ParamedicParamedicA paramedic is a healthcare professional that works in emergency medical situations. Paramedics provide advanced levels of care for medical emergencies and trauma. The majority of paramedics are based in the field in ambulances, emergency response vehicles, or in specialist mobile units such as...
and Advanced Paramedic - Blue for Nurse
- Red for Medical DoctorPhysicianA physician is a health care provider who practices the profession of medicine, which is concerned with promoting, maintaining or restoring human health through the study, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments...
Uniform
The Uniform most commonly worn is the working uniform (2008) which consists of:- Dark grey jacket
- Dark grey sweater
- Official pilot shirt
- Red Cravat
- Cap
- Black belt with logo on buckle
- Epaulettes
- Plain or combat trousers, depending on duty location
- Hi-Vis rain jacket, depending on duty location
- Light hi-vis jacket, depending on duty location
- Grey Rain Jacket and Rain trousers, depending on duty location and environment
- Black 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.
National Organisation
The Order of Malta Ambulance Corps aims to have at least one unit based in every county in Ireland. Under the leadership of the National Director Commander Dame Winifred Maye, the organisation has almost achieved this goal.Regions and units
The island of Ireland is divided into eleven regions, each with an appointed Regional Director who reports directly to the National Director. The Regions are:Region 1
- Antrim, Armagh and Down
Region 2
- Fermanagh, Tyrone and Derry
Region 3
- Donegal Sligo Leitrim
Region 4
- Mayo and Roscommon
Region 5
- Galway and Clare
Region 6
- Limerick and Tipperary
Region 7
- Cork and Kerry
Region 8
- Waterford, Wexford, Carlow and Kilkenny
Region 9
- Dublin and Wicklow
Region 10
- Longford, Westmeath, Offaly, Laois and Kildare
Region 11
- Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan
Further reading
- Patrick LevayePatrick LevayePatrick Levaye is a writer and a French Senior official. Author of a book on Catholicism, Patrick Levaye occupied several functions with high responsibilities with the French Minister of the Interior, with the Minister of Defence like to the Secretariat of State to the War Veterans...
, Géopolitique du Catholicisme (Éditions Ellipses, 2007) ISBN 978-2-7298-3523-1
External links
- Order of Malta Ambulance Corps - official website
- Official site of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
- Order of Malta British Association and English Priory
- Maltese Association of the Order Of Malta
- A Research Website on the Orders of St John
- The Official Site of the Polish Association of Order of Malta