PCG trains Luzon lifeguards in basic rescue operations

MANILA, Philippines - From swimming pools to beaches, some 50 lifeguards in northern Luzon have been trained in basic rescue procedures by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to prepare them for future disasters.

PCG spokesman Lt. Commander Armand Balilo said their station in Subic recently concluded the training of some 50 lifeguards from northern Luzon provinces.

Balilo said this was one of the initial responses made by Commander Luis Tuason, who heads the PCG in the National Capital Region and Central Luzon, after tropical storm “Ondoy” and typhoon “Pepeng” struck several provinces in his jurisdiction and left a trail of destruction.

“Before, the scope of the lifeguards were only limited in swimming pools and beaches and they only knew how to spot people in trouble. But now they were taught how to conduct basic rescue procedures and were given tips on how to operate a rubber boat,” Balilo said.

“Now, they can join the PCG in actual rescue operations. The lifeguards can help in PCG missions in provinces in their proximity such as Zambales, Pampanga, and Bataan,” he added.

The PCG has only 6,000 personnel nationwide and they would require the assistance of other people or organizations to respond to every emergency. 

The PCG is planning to coordinate with lifeguards in other provinces to boost Tuason’s efforts.

With the recent calamities, the PCG is training other people to help others and to help themselves in case another disaster strikes.

Dr. Ted Esguerra, officer-in-charge of the PCG-Specialized Medical Assistance Response Team, said that right after Ondoy, he has been bombarded with several requests to deliver talks on emergency preparations.

Esguerra, one of the members of the Mt. Everest team, said the PCG began talking about emergency preparedness four years ago but he only got four invitations in a year.

“But now I have a lot of appointments; I get invitations left and right. Typhoon Ondoy really served as a wake-up call,” he said.

Esguerra explained that when a strong earthquake strikes and buildings crumble or if there are landslides, it might take six days before rescue teams arrive.

He advised the public to prepare a “six-day kit” in their homes, and a mini kit in the car and office.

The kit should be placed in a big plastic container preferably with wheels so it will be easier to bring.

It should contain food that does not easily spoil and would not make one thirsty, and canned goods with a small amount of liquid and which can easily be opened. Once the canned good is opened, its contents should be immediately transferred to a plastic container to prevent the person from being ill with botulism.

“Bring water and when you have consumed the contents do not throw away the container because you can still use it as a flotation device when there are floods,” Esguerra said.

He also advised people to keep mosquito nets and trash bags as well as extra clothing, including malong and a pair of pants.

He said an ordinary pair of pants can become a lifesaving tool as a crude life jacket by just placing two gallon water containers in the pants and wrapping the pants’ legs around a person.

According to Esguerra, there should also be pen and paper, shovel, axe, duct tape, toilet paper, toothbrush, shampoo, sanitary napkin (that could be used as bandage if the need arises), sewing kit, fishing pole with hook, and mirror and flat whistle to alert rescuers to one’s location.

Flashlights, lighter, candles, waterproof matches, and flares are also a must. “The batteries of the flashlight should be of the same battery size for the radio because when all the cellular phone communication lines bog down, the only way to get information from the outside world is through the radio,” Esguerra said.

A first-aid kit should also have a triangular bandage, elastic bandage, Betadine solution, Band Aid strips, tweezer, safety pins, Swiss army knife, and alcohol.

There should also be medicine for cough, colds, hyperacidity, muscle pain, and anti-spasms as well as paracetamol and puritabs.