ERUF to host run, simulation exercises

CEBU, Philippines - In celebration of its 25 years of responding to emergency alarms and saving lives, the Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation will host an "ERUF 161 Run" tomorrow which will converge at the Parkmall at the North Reclamation Area.

Mandaue City administrator James Abadia said aside from the run, ERUF will present simulation exercises which will follow after the run to be joined by the foundation's newly trained barangay disaster brigade of the 27 barangays of the city.

The simulation exercises which include urban search and rescue, fire drill, mass casualty, air crash drill, and firefighting will be held at the Reclamation Area and is open to the public.

Abadia also said the celebration will end up with a dinner program which will honor all donors that have helped equip ERUF in the past 25 years.

He said proceeds of the ERUF 161 Run will be used to purchase new portable defibrillators for its day to day operations

A portable defibrillator, which costs P500,000, is a machine used to shock a victim's heart into action after cardiac arrest.

With such a machine in each of its 13 ambulances means more lives could be saved.

The run will have 12K, 6K, and 3K which will start and end at Mandaue City Reclamation Area, across Park Mall.

The run will start at 5:30 a.m until 8:30 a.m.

Prizes will also be awarded to the top ten overall male and female runners in each category while special awards will be given to the best in costume, the oldest, and youngest runners.

Those who wish to join will be charged P250. Registration will be held at its headquarters in Banilad Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City Hall, and the Cebu City Sports Center.

Abadia said participants will have the chance to win appliances in its raffle.

ERUF is a non-government organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

It started in September 1986 with less than 60 member volunteers composed of medical professionals, civic-oriented individuals, and former members of the Mandaue Emergency Rescue Unit. - THE FREEMAN