In the event of an accident, the first to offer assistance are usually Civil Protection Department personnel. CPD Director PETER CORDINA outlines the basic dynamics of emergency rescue
What is the Civil Protection Department?
The main role of the Civil Protection Department is to prepare contingency plans to respond in case of disasters (both natural and man-made) which may happen in Malta, with particular attention to safeguarding of life and property. Additionally, CPD is also in charge of the Assistance and Rescue Force which deals with traffic accidents, fires and other similar incidents.
Moreover, the Department provides for public awareness in case of emergencies, mostly lectures to schoolchildren, public demonstrations as well as a Humanitarian Aid Unit, a Marine Unit and a dogs’ section.
What, from your experience, are the main causes of traffic accidents in Malta? In my opinion, traffic accidents are mainly due to carelessness and negligence such as over-confidence in driving, or driving while in a state of drunkeness or tiredness.
Can you outline the basic difficulties encountered in administering first-aid and/or extracting injured victims from vehicles? Extraction of victims is always very difficult, as we have to make haste while paying attention not to cause further injuries to the victim of the incident. Onlookers may well argue that we take a somewhat long time to extract the victims; however we have a sort of procedure in tackling the situation which we have to follow strictly.
What advice would you give to the witness of a traffic accident? What action, if any, should he/she take before the arrival of emergency personnel? A witness to a traffic accident especially involving victims should report the incident immediately using the 112 Emergency number. Unless the victim is exposed to immediate danger, such as if the vehicle catches fire, the victim should not be moved. However a few words of encouragement would be of utmost help until assistance arrives.
What advice would the Civil protection department offer to motorists to decrease the chances of road accidents? The motto is: Drive safely and cautiously - you may never know what’s hidden around the next corner.
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Additionally, CPD is also in charge of the Assistance and Rescue Force which deals with traffic accidents, fires and other similar incidents. 
