BFP to deploy ambulances in key NCR areas for Christmas season
By Chito Chavez
The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said on Tuesday, Dec. 6, that it will deploy ambulances in key Metro Manila areas to deal with health emergencies amid the expected influx of people expected to do a shopping rush this Holiday season.
BFP-National Capital region (NCR) Director Chief Supt. Nahum Tarroza said 16 ambulance units are on standby and will be stationed in frequently visited by shoppers and other people.,
He expected the number of ambulances to increase in the event the Metro Manila local chief executives (LCE) see the need for it.
Tarroza cited the case of the Taguig City government which has committed to donate four ambulance units for the BFP-NCR project.
As for its deployment, the BFP Metro Fire chief had already instructed his marshals to wisely use these medical vehicles in serving those in need whether in streets, offices or even in residences.
To be manned by BFP nurses and personnel, these ambulances are complete with first-aid medicines and emergency tools.
“Bahala na ang mga fire marshals natin kung saan nila ito (ambulances) ilalagay na sa tingin nila accessible every time na merong emergency calls (It is up to the our fire marshals where they will deploy in the areas which they think are accessible every time there are emergency calls),” Tarroza said.
During fire incidents, Tarroza stated that fire trucks and ambulances should be at the fire scene in case medical assistance is needed.
In his directive to the station fire marshals, Tarroza said “all ambulance vehicles of BFP must be visible in all main thoroughfares in Metro Manila, 24/7.”
The BFP official cited hotels, malls, EDSA crossings, public markets, the Commonwealth Avenue, Ortigas Avenues and Quezon Avenue as some strategic areas where the BFP medical units might be deployed.
Aside from fire incidents, firemen are also mandated to respond to all types of emergencies may it be in land, water, air and disasters such as floodings, earthquakes among others.
“Hindi lang tayo para sa pag-apula ng apoy, pwede rin tayo rumesponde sa lahat ng sakuna (We are not only tasked to put fire out, we can also respond to other accidents),” Tarroza continued. (Chito A. Chavez)