BY IKE SEÑERES
CONSIDERING the number of island barangays in our country, I have no doubt in my mind that we should already introduce a system of sea ambulances all over the country, wherever these are needed.
I am saying that it should be a “system”, because these sea ambulances would be practically useless, not unless it will be supported by an emergency dispatching system, and an “army” of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs).
I will never subscribe to the argument that some local government units (LGUs) do not have ambulances because they have no money to buy these. I think that is a rotten reasoning, and it is just proof to show that LGU officials who say that do not have their priorities in order.
I understand that LGUs may have other priorities, but who can say that saving lives is not a priority?
When I was a Director at the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), I was happy to be part of the Board of Directors that approved the request of LGUs for ambulance units. I was, however, surprised to find out that many LGUs are waiting in line to get their ambulance units donated to them, instead of buying these themselves.
I eventually realized that the problem is not money. The problem is how they prioritize their expenses, because in reality, they could even acquire ambulance units on a lease-to-own basis.
The other thing that I noticed at that time was that many LGUs that received the ambulance units from PCSO did not have the necessary EMTs who were needed to provide the necessary emergency services.
Sad that some LGU officials even used their ambulance units for personal purposes, such as using these for transport purposes that have nothing to do with medical emergencies.
Ideally, all LGUs should have 911 call centers that could immediately dispatch not only the ambulance units but also police cars, fire trucks and also rescue vehicles.
I have built a similar call center before, and I would be willing to help any LGU that would need any assistance for that purpose. I could also help with EMT training and certification./PN
