Philippine Red Cross

Philippine Red Cross sent hot meals, aid to people affected by shearline, LPA

Written on November 21, 2023. Posted in News and Events.

MANDALUYONG, METRO MANILA – Volunteers and staff of the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) continue to aid families affected by the low pressure area (LPA) and the shearline that brought incessant rains over the weekend in the eastern sections of Visayas and Luzon.

The PRC – Northern Samar Chapter served hot meals to 153 individuals and set up a welfare desk and first aid station at the Polangi Evacuation Center to provide physical and mental medical attention to evacuees. In Quezon Lucena, the PRC’s first aid station monitored the blood pressure of 38 evacuees, while the PRC’s welfare desk provided psychological first aid (PFA) and facilitated child-friendly spaces for over 100 individuals.

Provision of food, water, PFA, and basic medical care constitute the standard response and rescue efforts of the PRC to reinstate evacuees’ access to essential necessities amid disruptions.

According to PRC Chairman and CEO Dick Gordon, terrains and other areas in the affected regions are susceptible to landslides and mudslides due to the saturated soil caused by heavy rainfall. “Our payloaders are positioned for clearing operations, ensuring continuous assistance to geographically isolated areas,” he added.

As of writing, there are 12 evacuation centers in Northern Samar, Western Samar, and Masbate housing 1,460 individuals.

Philippine Red Cross Health Caravan reaches Galas, Quezon City

Written on March 31, 2022. Posted in News and Events.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Health Caravan reached Barangay San Isidro in Galas, Quezon City on March 27, 2022, and was able to serve 381 patients who came for treatment during the day.

A tri-partnership between the PRC, local governments, and together with beauty expert Ricky Reyes, the caravan is part of the PRC’s efforts to bring health services directly to the people, especially now that COVID restrictions on mobility and mass gatherings have been lifted. The caravan traveled to Rizal, Quezon City, Pasig, and Marikina from March 21 to 27, 2022.

Residents of Barangay San Isidro availed themselves of health consultations and free health kits (189 patients), health and hygiene education (93 clients), first aid training (18 trainees), COVID-19 vaccinations (12 persons), and blood glucose testing (54 patients). Hot meals were also served to those present.

“Patuloy na makikipag-ugnayan ang Philippine Red Cross sa LGUs [local government units] para makarating ang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Dick Gordon said.

RED CROSS TRAINED 43,206 FIRST AIDERS FOR THIS YEAR ALONE WHILE COVID CONTINUES

Written on October 25, 2021. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has already trained 43,206 first aiders from January to October of this year while the country is battling COVID-19. PRC says that the trained first aiders can help reduce the strain on the country’s emergency medical services as qualified first aiders are trained in recognizing and treating a vast variety of injuries and illnesses that can occur at home and in the workplace.

As the COVID-19 pandemic overloads the country’s medical systems, trained first aiders have the skills that can help prevent someone’s condition from deteriorating whilst waiting for an emergency to come. Knowing when and how to give proper CPR can be the difference between life and death, especially during a pandemic.

The PRC-trained first aiders come from all regions of the Philippines with 13,918 trained in the National Capital Region, 5,401 in Northern Luzon, 4,138 in Central Luzon, 4,473 in Southern Tagalog, 1,869 in Bico Region, 6,805 in the Visayas, and 6,602 in Mindanao.

“Basic first aid skills are very important and making it accessible to all is an important humanitarian act. It is, therefore, a crucial must. During the pandemic, with restrictions and safety protocols, PRC is finding ways to reach more people and to fulfill the goal of having one first aider per household. We are encouraging everyone to be that first aid hero in your family, in your school, and your community,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Senator Dick Gordon.

This pandemic has made learning first aid quite challenging and the PRC has adjusted to the new normal by teaching this life-saving training online. For more details regarding PRC’s first aid training course, contact the Safety Services Department via email [email protected] / [email protected] or call them at (02)-8790-2366.

PRC aids more than 10,000 during Undas 2019

Written on November 4, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) provided assistance to a total of 10, 861 patients during the Undas 2019 operations from October 27 to November 4. This number includes individuals who sustained second degree burns and an animal bite.

Most of the patients (10, 275) had their blood pressure monitored, five (5) individuals were also given wheelchair assistance, while 35 patients who suffered from difficulty of breathing, chest pain, nose bleeding, second degree burns, animal bite, fainting and punctured wound were transported to health facilities for further medical attention.

There were also 16 major cases recorded such as vomiting of blood and chest pain, while 284 patients sustained wounds, others experienced dizziness and vomiting.

“I commend our indefatigable staff and volunteers who provided assistance to our kababayans during the commemoration of Undas. PRC is staying true to its mantra: “Always First, Always Ready, Always There” in serving our countrymen”, said Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

PRC’s welfare desks also catered to 246 individuals, assisted through psychosocial support and assistance locating lost family members.

PRC alerted 156 ambulances (on stand-by and roving) and 2, 047 volunteers and staff all over the country.

First aid stations (249) and welfare desks (196) were also set up in different strategic places (cemeteries- 216, highways- 27, bus terminals, ports, and airport- 43).

PRC Undas 2019 Summary of Assistance:

Total number of patients catered: 10, 861

Breakdown as follows:

Blood pressure monitoring: 10, 275

Transported: 35

Major cases: 16 (deformity, 2nd degree burns, chest pain, vomiting of blood)

Minor cases: 284 (dizziness, lacerations, abrasions, vomiting, difficulty of breathing)

Welfare assistance: 246

Wheelchair assistance: 5

Assets deployed:

Staff and volunteers- 2, 047 (staff-322, volunteers- 1725)

Ambulance- 156 (alerted) units

First Aid stations- 249

Welfare desks- 196

PRC gears up preparation for Undas

Written on October 30, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will mobilize 156 ambulances and more than 1, 700 staff and volunteers nationwide in the observance of All Saints and All Souls Days.

PRC will set up 168 first aid stations and 120 welfare desks in 147 cemeteries and memorial parks as well as to major highways including North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Tarlac – Pangasinan La Union Expressway (TPLEX), Subic Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), ports and bus terminals, and beaches.

There will be 39 roving and 117 standby ambulances deployed in strategic places while foot patrollers will be positioned in hard to reach areas like cemetery alleys.

“As always, PRC is in full operation to accommodate everyone, especially our kababayans who will be going home to their respective provinces to visit their departed loved-ones. We want to ensure their safety”, said Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

Philippine Red Cross functions as a “voluntary, independent and autonomous non-governmental society auxiliary to the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in the humanitarian field.”

Since its founding 72 years ago, PRC has been serving humanity in the areas of disaster management, blood collection and dispensing, welfare, safety, health and hygiene. It also maintains a corps of volunteers and trained youth.

PRC Safety Reminders: • Use a seatbelt. • Wear a helmet on a motorcycle. • Drive at a safe speed and distance suitable for the conditions. • Do not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. • Do not use a mobile phone while driving. • Know and respect the highway code. • Maintain vehicle in good condition. • Be visible as a pedestrian or a cyclist. • Know how to react in case of a crash. • Wear loose cotton shirts. • Avoid bringing small children in a cemetery, if necessary, put a small piece of paper with their name and contact details in case they might get lost • If under medication, don’t forget to bring your medicines • Avoid bringing easily spoil food • Don’t forget to bring drinking water, fans, face towels and umbrellas to avoid dehydration • Remember “BLOW BAGETS” (Breaks, Lights, Oil, Water, Batteries, Air, Gas, Engine, Tires, Self)

For emergency and any untoward incidents, contact our 24/7 Operations Center, dial 143 or 8790-23-00.

Red Cross eyes first aiders in every household this Nat’l CPR Day

Written on July 17, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

IN CASE of a sudden cardiac arrest at home, at work, or in a public place, do you know what to do?

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is set to mobilize its staff and volunteers to conduct a mass cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstration to equip Filipino families with this life-saving skill.

For this month, PRC will go to schools, offices, and public places to teach Filipinos how to conduct a hands-only CPR to mark the National CPR Day, on July 17, in cooperation with the Department of Health, the Philippine Heart Association, and the American Heart Association.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said the mass CPR demonstration is a preliminary effort to strengthen its call to have one first aider in every household and workplace.

“We have our volunteers nationwide, but no first responder can respond as quickly as a neighbor, a family member, and a co-worker. When that person knows first aid, further injuries and loss of lives can be averted,” Gordon said.

PRC has identified over 110 locations, which include schools, companies, and parks. PRC also tapped athletic leagues to perform whole CPR cycle.

The mass CPR campaign was conducted to maximize the Republic Act No. 10871 or the “Basic Life Support Training Schools Act,” which requires basic education students to undergo age-appropriate basic life-saving training.

PRC, as the leading first aid provider in the country, offers a wide range of first aid and basic life support training courses, including standard first and basic life support for all ages, occupational first aid and basic life support, emergency first aid, junior first aid, and water safety programs.

Gordon urges businesses to have trained first aiders in workplaces

Written on July 2, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

FOLLOWING the recent cases of preventable casualties and injuries in workplaces, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard Gordon reminded all business establishments to have trained first aiders who will look after the safety of their employees.

Gordon expressed concern over the alleged absence of trained first aiders and ambulance when veteran actor Eddie Garcia got into an incident during shooting.

He added that the incident is a call for business owners to follow the provisions under the Republic Act (RA) 11058 or the “Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational, Safety and Health (OSH) Standards,” which mandates business owners to have workers undertake first aid training from PRC or any recognized organization.

“There could have been better chances of survival if Eddie’s case was handled properly. There should be a schooled way of saving lives whenever such preventable incident happened. The Red Cross is calling on companies, regardless of size and industries, to have trained first aiders in every establishment,” Gordon said.

In Garcia’s case, a trained individual could have immediately assessed whether he was conscious or unconscious, as well as confirmed if it was cardiac arrest. Moreover, somebody could have assessed possible injuries and call appropriate help.

The proper way of handling such cases is to identify if there is a reason to suspect spine injury. Then, the first aider should prevent the movement of the head and neck of the patient by manually stabilizing and applying cervical collar. This could prevent worsening of injury until an ambulance arrives. Signs of life must also be monitored.

The Red Cross offers first aid training designed to meet the needs of companies and communities, including standard first aid and basic life support, occupational first aid, emergency first aid, junior first aid, and water safety.

PRC, with its fleet of 150 ambulances and thousands of trained first aiders, could also be tapped to provide on-site first aid and emergency services, including mass gatherings, sporting events, and festivals.

PRC is also calling on homeowners’ associations to conduct first aid training for maids and drivers to ensure household safety.

“The public should know that the Red Cross is ready to offer its first aid and ambulance services for a reasonable amount—enough to sustain our operations that require fuel and maintenance costs. We want to build a culture of safety among Filipinos by having one trained first aider in every household,” he added.

For inquiries on first aid training and ambulance services, call 790-2300 or send an email to [email protected].

Red Cross joins search and rescue in Porac; appeals to take earthquake drills seriously

Written on April 23, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) deployed manpower and rescue vehicles to assist in the search and rescue operations in a collapsed supermarket in Porac, Pampanga following the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that hit parts of Luzon on Monday.

Data from the PRC Operations Center shows that as of 7am, 24 individuals are still missing while 69 suffered injuries. PRC mobilized 30 manpower equipped with two ambulance units, two rescue vehicles, a generator set, and a tower light.

PRC also provided body bags to facilitate proper management of bodies retrieved in the incident site.

“We are all together. Red Cross continues the search and rescue operations for the missing individuals at Chuzon Supermarket. We deployed our assets from nearby chapters to provide additional manpower in affected areas. No one shall be left behind,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.

Gordon also urged business owners to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the crowd.

“Be mindful of the safety of the people in your establishments. Business owners should inspect and double check the safety of their establishments to avoid putting people in dangerous situations,” he added.

Red Cross also advises the public to take earthquake drills seriously to prevent major casualties and take note of the following measures before, during, and after an earthquake.

Before checklist

• Bolt and brace water heaters and gas appliances with wall studs.
• Bolt bookcases, china cabinets and other tall furniture with wall studs.
• Hang heavy items, such as pictures and mirrors, away from beds, couches and anywhere people sleep or sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Install strong latches or bolts on cabinets. Large or heavy items should be closest to the floor.
• Learn how to shut off the gas valves in your home and keep a wrench handy for that purpose.

During – if indoors

• Drop, cover and hold on. Move as little as possible and watch for falling objects.
• It is most important to keep your head and torso covered. If you’re sitting at a desk or table, get under it. Otherwise drop wherever you are.
• If you are in bed, stay there, curl up and hold on, protecting your head with a pillow.
• Stay away from windows to avoid being injured by shattered glass.
• Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit. If you must go outside after the shaking stops, use stairs rather than an elevator in case of aftershocks, power outages or other damages.
• Be aware that fire alarms and sprinkler systems frequently go off in buildings during an earthquake, even if there is no fire.

During – if you are outside

Find a clear spot and drop to the ground. Stay there until the shaking stops (away from buildings, power lines, trees, streetlights).

During – if you are in a vehicle

• Pull over to a clear location and stop.
• Avoid bridges, overpasses and power lines if possible.
• Stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops.
• Then, drive carefully avoiding bridges and ramps that might have been damaged.
• If a power line falls on your vehicle, do not get out. Wait for assistance.
• If you are in a mountainous area or near unstable slopes and cliffs, be alert for falling rocks and other debris.
• Landslides are often triggered by earthquakes.

After

• If away from home, return only when authorities say it’s safe to do so.
• Be prepared for aftershocks. If you feel one, drop cover and hold on.
• Aftershocks frequently occur minutes, days, weeks and even months following an earthquake.
• Open cabinets slowly. Beware of objects that can fall off shelves.
• Stay away from damaged areas in and around your home.
• Look for and extinguish small fires. Fire is the most common hazard after an earthquake.
• Check for gas leaks to prevent fires and secondary damage. Spray the fittings on your gas meter and any fittings on gas appliances with a mixture of water and a little liquid dish soap. If it bubbles, there is gas present.
• Use extreme caution and examine walls, floors, doors, staircases and windows to check for damage.

Red Cross assists over 9,000 in annual Holy Week ops

Written on April 23, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

A total of 9,065 patients were served during the Holy Week operations of Philippine Red Cross, including individuals involved in road crashes and drowning incidents.

Most of the patients (8,289) had their blood pressure monitored due to extreme heat, while 42 patients who suffered from fainting, severe body pain, difficulty of breathing, and head trauma were transported for further medical attention.

There were also eight major cases recorded such as seizure, loss of consciousness and fracture, while 493 patients sustained wounds, others suffered from sprain, muscle cramps, dizziness and vomiting.

PRC’s welfare desks also catered to 233 individuals, including those assisted through psychosocial support and who sought help to trace their families.

PRC deployed a total of 2,000 staff and 150 ambulances nationwide from April 14 to 22.

“Salute to our untiring staff and volunteers who assisted to our countrymen during the holy week. Selfless act indeed, when you think of others first before yourself. Serving the people and uplifting them during catastrophes has been a regular endeavor for Philippine Red Cross,” Sen. Richard Gordon, chairman of PRC, said.

In Kalinga, PRC staff and volunteers responded to a road crash incident in Binongsay Road, Bry. Malin-awa, Tabuk City, where an elf truck fell off a cliff after losing its brakes. The incident resulted in eight deaths and injured 16 people. PRC provided hot meals and hygiene kits to the nine patients currently admitted.

Meanwhile, in Calatagan, Batangas, PRC transported a 12-year-old boy to Batangas Medicare Hospital due to drowning.

PRC also showed readiness in responding to fire when it immediately mobilized its fire trucks and ambulance vehicles to two fire incidents that both reached 4th alarm in Quezon City and Laguna in April 20.

Aside from the fire trucks and ambulance, the PRC also deployed four first aiders in the fire in Capoas, Masambong in Quezon City where it gutted several houses.

The fire in Laguna destroyed a paper mill in the town of Cabuyao. There were no reported casualties in the said fire incidents.

The number of patients assisted this year is higher compared to last year’s 8,844 individuals.

PRC Holy Week Operations
Summary of assistance

Total Patients Catered (2019): 9,065 (Apr 14-Apr 22) Total Patients Catered (2018): 8,844 (Mar 26-Apr 2)

Breakdown as follows:
Blood pressure monitoring – 8,289
Transported – 42 (fainting, severe body pain, breathing difficulties, head trauma)
Major – 8 (seizure, loss of consciousness, fracture)
Minor – 493 (wound, sprain, muscle crumps, jellyfish sting, dizziness, vomiting)
Welfare- 233 (Psychosocial support – 179, tracing – 4, referral – 50)

Philippine Red Cross: Leg up this Holy Week 2019

Written on April 12, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross is all set for #SemanaSanta2019 deploying 2000 staff and volunteers and 150 ambulances nationwide to provide first aid assistance and to respond to any emergency cases that may arise.

“We put up our welfare desks in different strategic places to accommodate the travelers’ inquiries and concerns. These desks will be in operation for the entire holy week. Our goal is to make sure our countrymen are safe”, said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon.

PRC Chapters all over the country are on full alert. Various services offered are first aid, tracing assistance for people with missing companions or relatives, referral assistance and psychosocial support.

First aid stations, welfare desks, emergency vehicles and ambulances are positioned in 34 bus terminals, 42 major highways, 54 churches, 13 beach areas and 9 sea ports. There are also stations in parks, pilgrimage areas and other destinations.

In 2018, PRC helped a total of 8,844 people nationwide. PRC staff and volunteers were on duty to serve everyone who needed help.

For a peaceful voyage, these are the driving tips to ponder:

PRC’s 10 Road Safety Commitments:

I commit to:

1. Use a seatbelt / Child Car Seats

2. Wear a helmet on a motorcycle

3. Drive at a safe speed and distance suitable for the condition

4. Not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs

5. Not use a mobile phone when driving

6. Be visible as a pedestrian or cyclist

7. Know and respect the highway codes

8. Maintain my vehicle in a good condition

9. Be licensed and trained for the vehicle drive

10. Know how to react in case of a crash

For emergency and any untoward incidents, contact our 24/7 Operations Center. Dial 143 or 790-23-00 for assistance.

Philippine Red Cross | Humanitarian Organization in the Philippines

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Tag: First Aid