Deploys emergency medical services teams

HUNDREDS of thousands of devotees are expected to gather at Quiapo Church and Quirino Grandstand from January 7 to 9 for the Black Nazarene’s first-ever “Walk of Faith”.

In line with this, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) will dispatch more than 300 volunteers in 4 first aid stations and welfare desks along the procession route with 17 teams of foot patrollers serving as mobile first-aiders. Fire trucks and ambulance teams will also be in strategic areas starting January 07 to provide medical assistance to devotees coming from different regions of the country.

“A stampede and other incidents can happen in large crowds. We will prepare and deploy our volunteers, ambulance teams, and Emergency Response Units to ensure the safety of participants in the Black Nazarene Feast,” said PRC Chairman and CEO Richard J. Gordon.

The PRC also released the following safety reminders to help devotees avoid incidents that may occur during the feast:

Secure your house before leaving. Unplug all electrical appliances.

– Be mentally and physically prepared.

– Pregnant women and persons who are sick are advised to stay home and rest.

– Bring protective gear against heat and rain.

– When coming in groups, designate a meeting point in case someone gets lost.

– Know the location, means of access, police stations, and first aid stations within the area.

– If there is an untoward incident, do not panic but take necessary precautions.

– Keep an ID with personal medical information and emergency contact numbers with you.

– Bring water, food and medications.

– Wear a facemask, and practice proper disinfection.

– Wear proper clothing and footwear. Avoid accessories.

Download the FIRST AID – IFRC APP, in case of emergency, call the Red Cross 143 hotline or 87902300.

In addition to these safety reminders, the PRC reiterated the importance of practicing minimum public health protocols as the transmission of Covid-19 is relatively high in crowded settings.