Order of Malta appeals for increased public support

The Order of Malta has appealed for public support for its programme of specialist first aid and for the extensive refurbishment of its community care centres.

In its annual report for 2003, the order said it raised €3m in income during the year and spent €2.8m of this sum on vital services.

The report outlined an ambitious programme of work for the coming year, including fitting AEDs, or portable heart machines, in every ambulance in the country.

The Order of Malta was established in 1934 and is the leading provider of first-aid training in Ireland.