Curtin VAD 57 organises survival camp and blood donation drive

Miri – 23 May 2014 – The Malaysian Red Crescent Voluntary Aid Detachment 57 (VAD 57) of Curtin University, Sarawak Malaysia (Curtin Sarawak) recently organised a 72-hour Survival Camp and National Blood Donation Drive as part of its annual activities.

57 participants took part in the survival camp held at the Lambir Hills National Park. As it was aimed at equipping the participants with basic survival skills, they were more or less cut off from civilisation for the 72-hour duration and had to rely on nature and the limited equipment provided for their daily needs.

They took part in activities such as jungle trekking, tent-building, cooking with basic utensils, building fires with withered branches, and games designed to develop survival skills. They also learned about treating cuts, wounds, burns and fractures in a first aid demonstration.

The participants found the camp a real eye-opener, saying that it helped them understand what it takes physically and mentally to survive in the outdoors, as well as how to develop survival planning and preparation strategies and resources.

Meanwhile, the National Blood Donation Drive, jointly organised by Curtin VAD 57 and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society of Multimedia University (MMU) Melaka Campus, saw 104 Curtin Sarawak students and staff donating blood to the Miri Hospital Blood Bank.

According to Lee Ren Jie, Commandant of Curtin VAD 57, MMU Melaka Campus chose to collaborate with Curtin VAD 57 to raise greater awareness of blood donation and its purposes in saving lives.

He added that due to the overwhelming response, another blood donation drive will be organised in September in collaboration with the blood bank.

“The collaboration provided both chapters the opportunity to bond and share their first aid experiences. Through such collaborations, we are also promoting the Malaysian Red Crescent’s ideals and initiatives,” said Lee.

Lee also thanked the staff of the Office of Student Affairs at Curtin Sarawak for its continued support and assistance towards VAD 57’s activities, which it regularly organises to enhance the knowledge and skills of its members. Past activities have included Ambulance Service Training in collaboration with the Miri Hospital and an educational visit to the hospital to learn more about first aid and the handling of emergency cases.

The detachment has won various awards, including Best VAD Unit (Category A) Sarawak Branch Award for the fourth consecutive year at the state-level Malaysian Red Crescent Volunteer Recognition Night in 2012.

For more information on VAD 57, email curtinrc@gmail.com or visit the VAD 57 Facebook page at www.facebook.com/VAD57.

Participants setting up a tent during the 72-Hour survival camp.

Group photo of the participants at the Lambir Waterfall.

VAD 57 members posing with some of the donors at the blood donation drive.