By Jhon Aldrin Casinas
A total of 986 people were assisted by the Philippine Red Cross during the annual “Traslacion” or the procession of the Black Nazarene from Luneta to the Quiapo church in Manila on Thursday.
Thousands of devotees follow the image of the Black Nazarene during the annual Traslacion from Quirino Grandstand back to Quiapo Church on January 9, 2020 (ALI VICOY / MANILA BULLETIN)
As of 4:30 p.m., the PRC said its personnel rushed 14 patients to the Ospital ng Maynila and Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center due to hypertension, fracture, dislocation, and loss of consciousness.
It also said that there 25 people with “minor medical cases” who were treated on-site.
The humanitarian organization reported that they have also rendered help to 270 patients who suffered from dizziness, shortness of breath, elevated blood pressure, abrasion, laceration, and sprain.
“Our welfare unit conducted psychosocial first aid, tracing, referral and free call to a total of 41 individuals,” the PRC said in an advisory.
There were also a total of 636 people who were given blood pressure consultation by PRC personnel.
In a media forum on Tuesday, PRC Chairman Sen. Richard Gordon said they have deployed at least 1000 personnel composed of medical technicians, first aid responders, and foot patrollers for the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The PRC has set up 13 First Aid stations and welfare desks near the route of the procession.
The PRC also set up a 20-bed capacity Emergency Medical Unit at the National Museum of Anthropology inside Luneta Park and a 20-bed capacity advanced medical post at Apolinario Mabini Elementary School.
A total of 47 ambulances, three rescue boats, an amphibious vehicle, fire truck, rescue truck, and a humvee have been also deployed by the PRC for the procession that drew millions of devotees every year.
READ MORE: UPDATED: Tracking the Black Nazarene’s journey, The Latest on ‘Traslacion’ 2020