St John Rescue Corps

St John Rescue Corps (SJRC) is a voluntary organisation founded in 1986 to meet the need in Malta of a support civil defence unit consisting of adult volunteers fully trained in rescue and first aid. Over the past 30 years, our volunteers have assisted in many emergency and community services. In 1995, SJRC was involved in its first major deployment, when the Libyan tanker Um El-Faroud exploded in the then Malta Drydocks. Since that time SJRC assisted in many emergencies including various industrial fires, searches for missing persons and fireworks factory explosions. Today, SJRC provides backup rescue services to the Civil Protection Department (CPD). Through its fleet of fire trucks and trained volunteers, the Corps assists the CPD: to combat large fires and fireworks factory explosions and to rescue people and salvage property during floods. Our rescue teams regularly cover community events including: national festivals & concerts, sports events, and village feasts. Additionally, our high-angle rescue team is regularly involved in initiatives aimed at preserving Malta's national heritage. These initiatives involve clean-up operations of our fortifications and bastions. Our volunteers are also involved in pool and beach lifeguarding duties. Our unpaid volunteers come from all walks of life including: university, sixth form and MCAST students; electricians; engineers; teachers and managers. SJRC, together with St John Ambulance First Aid & Nursing and St John Ambulance Training Branch, forms part of St John Malta which operates under the auspices of the Order of St John, of which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is the Sovereign Head.