INTERIOR Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. has turned over 84 ambulances to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) units to boost their emergency response, especially during the coming Yuletide season.
Abalos, accompanied by BFP chief Director Louie Puracan, distributed the ambulances during rites held at the BFP national headquarters in Quezon City last Saturday.
“These emergency vehicles will further empower our personnel as we remain committed to providing high-level emergency response and rescue services and improve our agency’s health services,” said Abalos.
The ambulances, built from the top-of-the line Nissan Urban NV350, were given to select city and municipal police stations nationwide.
The DILG said the ambulances are “designed to comply with local and international standards, not only for transporting patients but also to provide emergency care and avoid aggravating the patient’s injury or illness while transported.”
They are equipped with Doctor/Emergency Medical Technician/Paramedic Seating and a Negative Pressure System, which the DILG said, “can eliminate at least three types of viruses to keep BFP personnel safe during its operation.”
“It also comes with a two-way radio communication device, ventilation airway equipment, monitoring and defibrillator, chest compression device, immobilization device, dressing and bandages, obstetrical delivery set, infection control, and various EMS (emergency medical services) kits and supplies,” the DILG said.
The Bicol region and Central Visayas received seven units each, while Ilocos, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula and Caraga got six apiece.
Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Davao region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa and the Cordillera Administrative Region got five units each, while Central Luzon, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao received four units each.
