The Philippine Red Cross Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Unit responded to 1,132 patients during the 2023 Peñafrancia Festival in Naga City, Camarines Sur.
In a statement on Tuesday, Sept. 19, PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon emphasized the importance of having EMS services at large gatherings like festivals.
“Every large gathering, such as the Peñafrancia Festival, should have EMS, such as pre-hospital treatment, ambulances, and reserve blood supply, because the chances of a person surviving a medical emergency increases if EMS is provided,” Gordon said.
Among the patients, 954 individuals experienced shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, punctures, difficulty breathing, numbness, heat exhaustion, fatigue, lower back pain, nausea, abrasions, muscle strains, sprains, shoulder pain, lacerations, body weakness, vomiting, seizures, fainting, and dislocated joints.
In addition, 172 individuals had their blood pressure monitored, and four required transportation to the Bicol Medical Center while two patients experienced seizures and fractures.
PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang underscored the critical role of maintaining an adequate supply of safe, high-quality blood products, and a registry of rare blood type donors is essential to prepare for medical emergencies.
Meanwhile, the PRC said that from Sept. 8 to Sept. 17, 31 aid stations were in position, and deployed a total of 2,765 EMS personnel across Naga City to respond to any medical emergencies that may have occurred among the devotees.
Moreover, the PRC EMS personnel also received an augmentation of equipment to be used during the festival from the local government units (LGU) of Bato, Balatan, and Baao.
The team also utilized two radio base equipment and 30 portable radios provided by React Kabalikat Volunteers.