When emergencies strike without warning, every second can mean the difference between life and death.

That’s why the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is making sure no call for help goes unanswered—with 178 ambulance units and highly trained Emergency Medical Services (EMS) teams ready to respond 24/7 across the country.

While other ambulance services exist, the PRC said it offers an unmatched combination of accessibility, affordability, and compassion.

“Frankly, there are lots of government or non-government ambulance providers out there,” PRC said in a statement issued Thursday, June 26. “However, if you picture yourself or a loved one in a critical situation—where every second counts—calling 143 would be a great choice,” it added.

Through its extensive network of 102 chapters nationwide, the PRC ensures rapid, professional, and life-saving ambulance services anytime, anywhere in the Philippines. For anyone in distress, the organization offers an easy-to-remember, toll-free hotline: 143.

Dialing 143 can help save a life, according to PRC Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Richard Gordon. The Red Cross 143 hotline connects directly to PRC’s EMS teams, who are always ready to respond around the clock.

“It’s so easy to remember because 143 means ‘I love you.’ PRC cares for you, and you are all important to us,” Gordon said.

This number has already made a life-saving difference for people like Mel Villacorta, whose husband suffered a head injury at home. She recalled that PRC’s ambulance arrived in under 10 minutes—much faster than their experience with a private provider the previous year.

“My husband was very sleepy while going to the bathroom. He fell and hit his head. It was bleeding, and I had to call the Red Cross hotline 143 for an ambulance,” Villacorta said. “The ambulance came in less than ten minutes—unlike the other provider we got last year, which arrived 40 minutes after the incident,” she added.

For EMS responders like Ken Amistad, the work is personal and life-affirming.

“Ang hindi ko po malilimutang response ay noong naisalba namin ang buhay ng isang pasyente matapos ang tatlong cycle ng CPR sa loob ng ambulansya ng Red Cross. Nakakatulong ako sa kapwa nang walang hinihintay na kapalit. Ito po ang pinakamasaya sa pagiging EMS responder (One of the most unforgettable responses was when we revived a patient inside the Red Cross ambulance after three cycles of CPR. Helping others without expecting anything in return—that’s what makes this job so fulfilling),” Amistad shared.

PRC ambulances are equipped with Basic Life Support gear, Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), oxygen tanks, trauma kits, ventilators, cardiac monitors, and more—ensuring patients receive high-quality care en route to hospitals.

In a country where ambulance services can cost up to P20,000, the PRC offers patient conduction starting at just P5,000.

For events, fully equipped ambulances and first aid stations are available starting at P3,000—providing both peace of mind and cost-effective safety.

Further strengthening its commitment to the public, the PRC has launched the Safe Card membership program.

For P1,200 per year or P100 per month, members gain access to key benefits such as ambulance support, blood supply, and accident-related hospitalization coverage.

“By being a Safe Card member, you’re not just protecting yourself from unforeseen events—you’re helping the Red Cross continue its mission to save lives,” PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang said. “Our chairman wants to add more ambulances in the future so we can serve and reach more people,” she added.