THE Ospital ng Maynila in Tondo received a brand new Maxus V80 Flex ambulance from the Ayala-owned Maxus Philippines, as part of the latter’s social impact program in support of the new Manila mayor’s vision for the city.
The van was turned over in simple ceremonies at the Liwasang Bonifacio Shrine. Manila City mayor Francisco “Isko” Domagoso and vice mayor Honey Lacuna received the ambulance from Felipe Estrella, President of Automobile Central Enterprise, Inc. who was with and Reginald See, General Manager of Maxus Philippines. There to take the keys to the new ambulance was Ospital ng Tondo OIC Hospital Director Myrna L. Paloma, MD.
“We are honored to help the government of Manila in its efforts to revitalize the city. Your efforts, Mayor Isko, to bring the city back to its’ old glory but more importantly to bring real change is a vision we want to align ourselves to. This Maxus V80 Flex ambulance represents Maxus Philippines’ concrete support for the local government of Manila’s efforts which includes improving healthcare services for the citizens of the city,” Estrella said during the one-on-one with the city mayor after the turnover rites.
Estrella was referring to the city’s “Ang Bagong Maynila” campaign. This campaign seeks to make major improvements in the city’s infrastructure and basic services and calls for the realignment of its’ citizen’s mindsets, including awareness of public safety, environment, cleanliness and discipline.
The ambulance with its official decals and vinyl sticker ambulance markings was customized by Winterpine Marketing Corporation for Maxus. It features an LED toplight with siren and public address (PA) system and is fitted with stainless bumper and stainless ramp approach. Inside, a two-layer medical floor-mounted cabinet housing a 20-pound oxygen tank; a wall-mounted blood pressure (BP) apparatus; a first-aid kit; an oxygen tank regulator; a combination adult and pedia “ambubag,” a minor surgical kit, an LED flashlight with batteries, and a stethoscope.
Equipment includes a fire extinguisher, fluorescent lamp, IV hook with strap, single oxygen tank holder, marine plywood and non-slip matting, and a jump-seat, as well as a fully collapsible stretcher with a locking mechanism.
“This ambulance possess the strong capabilities of the Maxus V80 and the ease of maintenance too. The periodic maintenance service (PMS) interval schedule, like in all other Maxus vehicles, is the first 5,000 kms and every succeeding 10,000 kms, or once a year, whichever comes first. For this emergency medical services transport that is on-call 24/7, this would be more convenient, cost-efficient, and more critically advantageous compared to the industry-standard 5,000-km PMS interval,” Reginald See, General Manager of Maxus Philippines said.
The City of Manila is planning to set up an emergency response paramedic team that will be able to respond to medical and similar emergencies in 10 minutes or less.
