Philippine Red Cross

PRC: Psychosocial support, water, food among the top needs in quake-hit Itbayat

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on July 30, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is on the move to help address the immediate needs in Itbayat, Batanes, which experienced successive earthquakes on Saturday.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon, who led the organization’s response over the weekend, said the organization is focusing on providing psychosocial support, food, water, and temporary shelter for over 2,000 individuals who are displaced in an open ground in front of the municipal hall.

“We are assessing as we are giving. Right now we are focused on their immediate needs, but eventually, we will provide their long-term needs, such as houses,” Gordon said.

He added, “The operations is extra challenging as the remote island of Itbayat is a two-to-three-hour boat ride from Basco and can only be reached using small boats. But this will not slow us down. We are working with different organizations to ensure that aid will be given as fast as possible.”

PRC National Headquarters partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to deploy resources for in-depth assessments.

Among the items deployed are radio equipment, satellite phones, and water purification assets, composed of bladders, treatment units, and storage.

The humanitarian organization also sent thousands of ready-to-eat meals, temporary roofing materials, and water treatment units for the affected population.

‘Trauma’

Initial assessments show that there is a need for welfare and psychosocial support, especially for Ivatans who experienced trauma following the major shakes.

“The ground shaking was traumatic for Ivatans. Our welfare team is there to help people get rid of their trauma,” Gordon added.

PRC welfare teams also provided psychosocial support to injured patients at Basco General Hospital. PRC volunteers also distributed hot meals to 900 individuals on Saturday.

Red Cross assures adequate blood supply amid dengue woes; Iloilo medical tent opens

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on July 25, 2019. Posted in News and Events. 1 Comment

AMID THE declaration of dengue outbreak in Iloilo, Aklan, Cavite, Leyte, and South Cotabato, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) assures the public that it has adequate blood supply for dengue patients.

Chairman Richard Gordon said PRC, through its 93 blood service facilities nationwide, is working double-time to ensure the availability of blood supply, especially plasma and cryoprecipitate, which are used to prevent hemorrhagic complications associated with dengue.

“We keep track of the supplies in all our blood facilities in the country. In the event, the blood supply in a specific facility drops to a critical level, we will know immediately which nearby facility can provide additional products,” Gordon said.

PRC National Blood Services recently shipped a total of 165 units of frozen blood products to augment the supply in Iloilo and Aklan.

Aside from blood, PRC is also in the forefront of managing the dengue crisis as it deployed eight sets of emergency medical tents in Western Visayas Region.

PRC set up two of the deployed hospital tents, with a total bed capacity of 40, in Jesus M. Colmenares District Hospital in Balasan, Iloilo, which is currently accommodating over 250 patients against its actual bed capacity of 25.

The medical unit in Balasan has now served to 38 patients. The humanitarian organization is also preparing to set up more medical tents in Aklan, Capiz, and Guimaras.

Data from the Department of Health shows that the dengue crisis has affected 115,986 individuals this year.

“We have started to fill the gaps in the dengue outbreak response, but we have no plans to slow down. Much needs to be done to protect people’s lives. There is a need for a fast and consistent response,” Gordon said.

“Red Cross 143 volunteers are alerted to initiate community cleanup drives. As our eyes and ears on the ground, they are also tasked to report more cases of congestion of hospitals in their areas.”

Red Cross deploys medical tents to dengue-stricken Iloilo

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on July 20, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard Gordon ordered the immediate deployment of emergency medical tents to assist in the overflow of patients in Iloilo due to rising dengue cases at the request of Department of Health (DOH).

Earlier this week, Gordon received a request from DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III to support the government’s efforts to address the rising health concern, especially in Western Visayas, where an outbreak has been declared.

Four sets of emergency medical tents were deployed from PRC warehouse in Subic and expected to arrive in Iloilo via ferry on Saturday, while another four sets will be deployed via C130 on Sunday.

“PRC’s medical tents will help decongest the overloaded wards and provide comfort to the patients and their families. Similar to how we addressed the measles crisis earlier this year, we will continue to work with DOH to identify and fill the needs in the most affected communities,” Gordon said.

He added that PRC is ready to deploy more tents in Western Visayas if the need arises.

Aside from deploying medical tents, PRC also ensures availability of blood supply for dengue patients in its blood center in Iloilo and nearby blood service facilities. PRC ambulances and welfare desks are also ready.

PRC’s community health volunteers also intensified its information dissemination drives to encourage Filipino families to do the 4S of dengue prevention—search and destroy, self-protect, seek early consultation, and say yes to fogging.

“Dengue destruction should be done before it started. Let’s observe proper personal hygiene and keep our surroundings clean to steer away from these diseases,” Gordon added.

Red Cross eyes first aiders in every household this Nat’l CPR Day

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on July 17, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

IN CASE of a sudden cardiac arrest at home, at work, or in a public place, do you know what to do?

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is set to mobilize its staff and volunteers to conduct a mass cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) demonstration to equip Filipino families with this life-saving skill.

For this month, PRC will go to schools, offices, and public places to teach Filipinos how to conduct a hands-only CPR to mark the National CPR Day, on July 17, in cooperation with the Department of Health, the Philippine Heart Association, and the American Heart Association.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said the mass CPR demonstration is a preliminary effort to strengthen its call to have one first aider in every household and workplace.

“We have our volunteers nationwide, but no first responder can respond as quickly as a neighbor, a family member, and a co-worker. When that person knows first aid, further injuries and loss of lives can be averted,” Gordon said.

PRC has identified over 110 locations, which include schools, companies, and parks. PRC also tapped athletic leagues to perform whole CPR cycle.

The mass CPR campaign was conducted to maximize the Republic Act No. 10871 or the “Basic Life Support Training Schools Act,” which requires basic education students to undergo age-appropriate basic life-saving training.

PRC, as the leading first aid provider in the country, offers a wide range of first aid and basic life support training courses, including standard first and basic life support for all ages, occupational first aid and basic life support, emergency first aid, junior first aid, and water safety programs.

PRC warns against leptospirosis, dengue this monsoon season

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on July 11, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) intensified its information campaign concerning health problems to protect the people and the community from waterborne diseases, influenza, leptospirosis, and dengue these monsoon months.

PRC is reminding everyone to take extra precautions as this is the high-risk period during which infectious diseases spread easily. Communication materials, house to house visits and health seminars are part of the awareness campaign of the Red Cross.

“PRC’s 104 Chapters are all set, as are the staff and volunteers to organize health campaigns to raise awareness of the health hazards brought by the rainy season. These campaigns are always done in coordination with the local health centers and offices,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.

The Red Cross’ pool of community volunteers, known as 143 volunteers, are tasked to report directly to the chapters in case of verified outbreaks.

The PRC has sufficient supply of blood in its 93 blood centers nationwide to cater to the people in case there will be an outbreak of dengue, leptospirosis, or other health concerns.

Residents are encouraged to clean their surroundings especially possible breeding places of mosquitoes to avoid being infected with dengue virus. Suspected dengue symptoms are: high fever (40 degrees Celsius / 104 degrees Fahrenheit), skin rashes, severe headache, muscle and joint pains, nausea, and swollen glands. The next 24-48 hours with these symptoms are fatal. Proper medical care and attention are needed to avoid complications and death.

Leptospirosis can enter the body through open wounds, the eyes, or mucous membranes. Humans become infected through direct contact from the urine of infected animals like rodents. Symptoms are high fever, chills, headache, jaundice, diarrhea, fatigue, sore throat, joint and muscle pains, rashes, reddish eyes, and abdominal pains to Weil’s disease with organ dysfunction. Immediate medical attention is advised. People wading through flood waters are at a high risk of contracting this disease.

The general public is urged not to swim or dabble in flood water, use protection like umbrellas, raincoats, boots and gloves, boil tap water before drinking, drink fruit juices and plenty of water, get enough sleep and drink vitamin C to boost the immune system. It is also advisable to wear pajamas, long pants and long sleeves to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. Strong insect-repellant lotion should also be applied to keep mosquitoes away.

“Let’s observe proper personal hygiene and keep our surroundings clean to steer away from these diseases,” added Gordon.

PRC is noted for its excellence in providing blood as well as safety, health, welfare, disaster management and other humanitarian services.

For emergencies, contact our 24/7 Operations Center. Dial 143 or 790-23-00 for assistance.

Gordon urges businesses to have trained first aiders in workplaces

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on July 2, 2019. Posted in News and Events. 1 Comment

FOLLOWING the recent cases of preventable casualties and injuries in workplaces, Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Chairman Richard Gordon reminded all business establishments to have trained first aiders who will look after the safety of their employees.

Gordon expressed concern over the alleged absence of trained first aiders and ambulance when veteran actor Eddie Garcia got into an incident during shooting.

He added that the incident is a call for business owners to follow the provisions under the Republic Act (RA) 11058 or the “Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational, Safety and Health (OSH) Standards,” which mandates business owners to have workers undertake first aid training from PRC or any recognized organization.

“There could have been better chances of survival if Eddie’s case was handled properly. There should be a schooled way of saving lives whenever such preventable incident happened. The Red Cross is calling on companies, regardless of size and industries, to have trained first aiders in every establishment,” Gordon said.

In Garcia’s case, a trained individual could have immediately assessed whether he was conscious or unconscious, as well as confirmed if it was cardiac arrest. Moreover, somebody could have assessed possible injuries and call appropriate help.

The proper way of handling such cases is to identify if there is a reason to suspect spine injury. Then, the first aider should prevent the movement of the head and neck of the patient by manually stabilizing and applying cervical collar. This could prevent worsening of injury until an ambulance arrives. Signs of life must also be monitored.

The Red Cross offers first aid training designed to meet the needs of companies and communities, including standard first aid and basic life support, occupational first aid, emergency first aid, junior first aid, and water safety.

PRC, with its fleet of 150 ambulances and thousands of trained first aiders, could also be tapped to provide on-site first aid and emergency services, including mass gatherings, sporting events, and festivals.

PRC is also calling on homeowners’ associations to conduct first aid training for maids and drivers to ensure household safety.

“The public should know that the Red Cross is ready to offer its first aid and ambulance services for a reasonable amount—enough to sustain our operations that require fuel and maintenance costs. We want to build a culture of safety among Filipinos by having one trained first aider in every household,” he added.

For inquiries on first aid training and ambulance services, call 790-2300 or send an email to safetytraining@redcross.org.ph.

Red Cross inaugurates branch in Novaliches

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on July 1, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

IN AN effort to bring humanitarian initiatives closer to the public, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) opens a new branch in Novaliches, which will serve as an extension of the Quezon City Branch.

PRC Chairman Richard Gordon, who led the inauguration ceremony last June 18, said the opening of the Novaliches branch will provide easier access to different PRC services, including blood, health, safety, and disaster management.

“Quezon City is the biggest city in Metro Manila. It is only fitting to have a Red Cross branch in every district. We also aim to strengthen the Red Cross 143 program here in Novaliches to have a pool of community volunteers who will be our eyes and ears in times of disasters and emergencies,” Gordon said.

Gordon also commended PRC Governor and Quezon City Chairman Ernesto Isla for actively leading the development of the local chapter.

“Help humanity out of duty, not out of credit. Live by our mantra ‘Always First, Always Ready, Always There.’ If you know this, you will never be a watcher or a spectator, but a leader,” Gordon told the volunteers.

Present in the inauguration were Secretary General Elizabeth Zavalla, Chapter Administrator Amparo Perez, QC Chapter Board of Directors, and staff and volunteers.

Red Cross aids passengers in Nasugbu car crash

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on June 26, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) swiftly aided individuals affected in a vehicular crash involving a passenger van in Sitio Bayabasan, Brgy. Aga, Nasugbu, Batangas last June 24.
PRC treated five passengers who obtained minor injuries such as abrasions on forehead and hips.
A 27-year-old passenger who got multiple injuries, swelling, and numbness was also transported to Medical Center Western Batangas for further medical care.
Chairman Richard Gordon lauded the staff and volunteers from PRC Batangas-Nasugbu for quickly responding to the incident.
The passenger van was bound to Batangas from Manila.

Red Cross prepares tankers, bladders as Manila water shortage spikes anew

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on June 20, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) assures its readiness to supply water to critical establishments that could be affected by the impending water shortage in Metro Manila as the water level in Angat Dam nears critical level.

Chairman Richard Gordon gave orders to prepare PRC’s fleet of water tankers and water treatment equipment following National Water Resources Board (NWRB)’s announcement that Angat Dam’s water level continues to decline—down to 162.39 meters as of Monday.

“Just like last March, we are prepared to deploy our water tankers to supply water to most critical establishments, especially hospitals. We have 20 water tankers in Metro Manila that are capable of filling up high-pressure water systems,” Gordon said.

If the water level in Angat Dam dips further, PRC will prioritize hospitals to ensure that healthcare services will not be interrupted and to avoid health complications, such as sepsis, diarrhoea, and other hygiene-related diseases.

During the first wave of water crisis last March to April, PRC was able to supply 1,435,475 liters of clean and safe water to hospitals such as National Kidney and Transplant Institute, East Avenue Medical Center, Rizal Medical Center, National Center for Mental Health, and Quirino Memorial Medical Center.

PRC also served affected communities, Brgy. Old Balara and Brgy. Culiat in Quezon City; Brgy. Nangka and Brgy. Tumana in Marikina; and Brgy. Addition Hills in Mandaluyong.

PRC is equally active in the provinces especially affected by dry spells, including Catanduanes, Iram (Olongapo), Cebu, Zamboanga, and Albay.

PRC offers welfare, medical assistance to Pinoy fishermen in Reed Bank

Written by Angeli Mae CANTILLANA on June 18, 2019. Posted in News and Events. Leave a Comment

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) aided the fishermen on board the Filipino fishing vessel rammed by a Chinese boat on June 9 in the West Philippine Sea.

PRC, through the Occidental Mindoro Chapter, mobilized a volunteer doctor to assess the fishermen’s medical condition and put an ambulance on standby to attend to medical emergencies. A welfare desk was set up and provided psychosocial support to 21 fishermen manning the FB GEM-VER, allegedly sank by a Chinese boat in Reed Bank.

“We are thankful that no Filipino fishermen obtained major injuries. We are now closely coordinating with local government units and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to assess their needs,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said.

Meals were distributed to the fishermen and their families who welcomed them back on June 14.

“PRC initially provided psychosocial support to the affected fishermen to address the distress the incident has caused,” Gordon added.

The humanitarian organization is looking at extending its welfare support to the community as the incident may also spark fear among other fishermen groups.

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