Parañaque medical team to the rescue

MANILA, Philippines - Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. commended the men and women that comprise the city’s medical emergency service team for their dedication to duty, resulting in many lives saved.

From January to May 2010, it responded to 167 medical emergencies, including 14 vehicular mishaps, one incident of a collapsed structure, and one electrocution accident. Last year, it was recognized for staging rescue sorties in flooded communities in the city during the onslaught on typhoon Ondoy. The unit continues to receive letters of thanks from grateful residents.

The Parañaque Elite Rescue Unit (PERU) was formed in 2008 at the instruction of Mayor Jun Bernabe. It has since become the frontline emergency medical service of this local government unit and the Parañaque Disaster Coordinating Council. It is under the organization of the City Health Office under Dr. Olga Virtusio.

The prime rescue unit is headed by medical officer Dr. Ted Gonzales. It is made up of 16 highly qualified emergency medical technician (EMT)-rescuers. Prior to their deployment, these EMTs underwent rigorous training in emergency medical service and rescue methodologies under the Philippine Coast Guard, Phil. Association of Emergency Medical Services Personnel, Special Rescue Unit of the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Phil. Heart Association.

To hone their skills and stay updated on the latest rescue methodologies, the group undergoes continuing studies in handling life-threatening situations.

When not attending to medical emergencies, PERU does its  information and education functions: holding lectures on disaster preparedness; conducting disaster evacuation drills; training the barangay disaster brigade on first aid and basic life support (F/A, BLS).

Noteworthy is the fact that most, if not all, city hall employees have received training on F/A and BLS under PERU’s tutelage. This is in pursuit of its advocacy that every office and household should have at least one trained first aider because in medical emergencies, every second counts.

The Parañaque City government continuously provides the Parañaque Elite Rescue Unit with the equipment and other resources it needs. To date, PERU has two ambulances with life support systems; chainsaws, hydraulic jacks, jackhammers and cutters; air compressors; rescue lamps and electric generators; lifesavers, and rescue boats.

Says Mayor Bernabe, “No one can predict when an accident will happen or when a disaster will strike.  What is important is that our constituents are aware of the safety precautions to adopt and appropriate action to take while our response units are prepared to act.  This is the main reason for the creation of the Parañaque Elite Rescue Unit. We are happy that the unit is doing well.  Its members have done much in helping our constituents during emergency situations.”