CEBU, Philippines - The City of Talisay will own a new ambulance that will serve its constituents for any medical emergencies by November.
“This is a bigger ambulance, iyang capability is more like 16-seater nga gidakon,” said Alvin Santillana, Head of Talisay City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council.
The new ambulance called an ambuvan or traumavan has the capability of treating trauma injuries such as in vehicular accidents. The van will have a built-in automated external defibrillator (AED) so medics can even treat cardiac cases while still on the road.
“Complete apparatus na, even ang stretcher kay mubalanse man unya dako,” he added.
At present, the city has one working ambulance serving the city, said Santillana. Two had previously broken due to years of constant use.
There had been reports in the past that even fire trucks and other fire department vehicles were being fielded to respond to any alarms, including medical emergencies.
After assuming office last August, Santillana vowed to prioritize the acquisition of ambulances for Talisay.
He adds that by next year, the city will purchase another two ambulances. This planned purchase has been included in Mayor Eduardo Gullas’ proposed budget for 2017 which had already been passed to the city council last week.
Santillana added that in 2018, they are targeting to have a total of five ambulances serving in the city.
He said they will strategically designate these ambulances in different places in the city for easy access to any emergency. (FREEMAN)