To boost the capacities of firefighters to provide emergency response services especially during the coming holidays, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) distributed over the weekend 84 new ambulance units to select city and municipal fire stations nationwide during simple ceremonies held at the national headquarters of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Quezon City.
DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” C. Abalos, Jr. said the distribution of new ambulance units is a testament to the government’s commitment to public safety as he lauded the 34,000 BFP fire officers who serve as front liners in protecting innocent lives during emergencies and disasters despite challenges posed by lack of facilities and equipment.
“These emergency vehicles will further empower our personnel as we remain committed to providing high-level emergency response and rescue services and improve our agency’s health services,” he said.
“Isang pagpupugay rin sa ating mga kasamahan sa BFP. Sa pagkakataong lahat ay takot at tumatakbo palayo sa sunog at panganib, parati nating makikita ang BFP na nasa harapan – nasa gitna ng aksyon, umaapula ng sunog, sumusuong sa mataas na tubig, nagrerescue, tumutulong,” he added.
Abalos said that of the 84 ambulance units, Regions V and VII obtained seven units each, while Regions I, VIII, IX, and CARAGA got six units each. On the other hand, Regions II, VI, XI, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, and Cordillera Autonomous Region got five units apiece, while Regions III, X, XII, and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region each received four units.
Each Type-1 Basic Life Support Ambulance is a top-of-the-line Nissan Urvan NV350 built and designed to comply with local and international standards, not only for transporting patients but also to provide emergency care and avoid aggravating the patient’s injury or illness while transported.
It is equipped with Doctor/EMT/Paramedic Seating and a Negative Pressure System that can eliminate at least three types of viruses to keep BFP personnel safe during its operation.
It also comes with a two-way radio communication device, ventilation airway equipment, monitoring and defibrillator, chest compression device, immobilization device, dressing and bandages, obstetrical delivery set, infection control, and various EMS kits and supplies.
The DILG Secretary urged local government units (LGUs) to work closely with their local fire station commanders to keep their communities safe, resilient, and emergency-ready, especially with an expected surge of emergencies during the yuletide season.
During the event, Abalos said the DILG will keep on training barangay officials to become force multipliers in times of fire and other calamities and tap the help of the private sector to provide fire officers and volunteers with health and hospitalization benefits.
“Starting from the grassroots, let us join hands in creating resilient communities. Let us be innovative in the face of challenges. Magtulungan po tayo para sa ating adhikaing matulungan ang ating kapwa Pilipino,” he added.
With Abalos during the turnover rites were BFP Chief F/Dir. Louie S. Puracan and BFP Acting Chief Directorial Staff F/CSupt. Manuel M. Manuel.
Original Article at: https://dilg.gov.ph/news/DILG-84-new-ambulances-distributed-to-cities-and-municipalities-to-boost-emergency-response-services/NC-2022-1200