THE Guyana Red Cross Society yesterday benefited from the donation of an ambulance by the Japanese Government, under Japan’s Grant Assistance for Grass-roots Human Security Project. The vehicle is valued at US$61,478. 

According to First Aid coordinator at the Guyana Red Cross, DeVaughn Lewis, the idea of a First Responders Ambulance Project was birthed a few months ago,when he was given the “go-ahead” to prepare a project proposal for the ambulance.
Subsequently, he noted, Secretary General Dorothy Fraser indicated that she had found a suitable partner who was willing to consider such a project. The first draft of the proposal was then finalised in December of last year and was emailed to the Japanese embassy in Trinidad and Tobago.
Lewis explained that the embassy which seemed eager, responded, and within a few weeks, the Guyana Red Cross Society and the Japanese embassy were able to iron out the last remaining kinks in the proposal.

Why this piece of equipment was much needed by the Red Cross Society, Lewis said, was because for years, the Society has been functioning on the use of voluntary and back-up vehicles, which in some instances have proven to be ineffective.
“We offer first aid posts to many events such as national events, which includes Mashramani, Guy-Expo, school sports and national sporting events such as the upcoming Motor racing meeting,” Lewis said.
As such, the ambulance was much welcome, as it would enhance the delivery of medical services provided by the Red Cross Society country-wide.
Yesterday, these efforts proved fruitful as the Japanese Government, through the Embassy of Japan presented the fully equipped ambulance which was eagerly received by the Red Cross Society.
Officially handing over the keys to the Red Cross Society was First Secretary at the Embassy of Japan, Takaaki Kato, who extended his regards on behalf of the Japanese Government, whom he said was pleased to make this donation.
Kato noted that since the contract was signed between the Japanese Embassy and Fraser from the Red Cross Society, a great deal of work was invested into ensuring that the project was a success.
“The Embassy of Japan has no doubt that this ambulance would contribute to and enhance the daily activities of the Guyana Red Cross Society; and it would make a positive impact on areas such as first aid services and response services to natural disasters,” Kato posited.
“Red Cross Youths” also graced the short handing -over ceremony with a song, followed by a dramatic poem which left the audience in amazement. The poem began with a young man reciting a poem during which he collapsed and fell to the floor.
Not realising that the collapse was part of the dramatic poem,the Honorary Consul General of Japan in Guyana, Kashir Khan, rose to his feet and attempted to rush to the scene before realising it was staged.
As the crowd burst into laughter, the Red Cross Youths demonstrated how medical treatment is to be administered in cases of emergencies. The use of the ambulance also played a crucial role as the “injured” person was rushed to the hospital.