More than 400 individuals were given medical attention by the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) amid the activities related to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
In a statement, the PRC said that "461 devotees received medical assistance from PRC ambulance teams, volunteer doctors, and first aid stations," as of 9 a.m. of Monday, Jan. 9.
Of the total, 417 underwent blood pressure tests, while 42 with minor injuries received first aid treatment after they suffered from abrasion, sprain, chest pain, contusion, abdominal pain, and nausea, the PRC reported.
"The PRC Emergency Medical Unit (EMU) served seven devotees with minor bruises and transported one patient who experienced chest pain and breathing problems to Philippine General Hospital (PGH) for further medical assessment. In addition to medical services, the PRC also provided Psychological First Aid (PFA) to two individuals attending the feast," it added.
The PRC said that its "staff and volunteers have been on standby and providing continuous assistance to devotees who needed medical care" since Friday, Jan. 6.
PRC Chief Executive Officer and Chairman Richard Gordon expressed his gratitude to the PRC staff and volunteers who provided medical services to devotees.
“The Philippine Red Cross is able to serve and assist the devotees of the Black Nazarene Feast because of the volunteers and staff who have been working day and night since Jan. 6," he said.
"They brave the night and cold weather to attend to the needs of our people. Tunay na maasahan ang ating PRC volunteers, staff, and medical teams sa mga ganitong pagkakataon," he added.