Paranaque Emergency Unit lauded

Lauded by the community for fast responses in medical and related emergencies, Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe, Jr. recognized anew the Parañaque Emergency Response Unit (P.E.R.U.) in a brief, but meaningful rites on Tuesday, March 29, 2011 at the Parañaque City Hall.

P.E.R.U. was formed in 2008 on orders of Mayor Jun Bernabe. It has since become the frontline emergency service of the City Health Office and the Parañaque Disaster Coordinating Council which was recently restructured as the Parañaque Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Office (PDRRMC). It is headed by Chief Emergency Medical Technician-Rescuer Dr. Ted Gonzales, under the supervision of City Health Officer Dr. Olga Virtusio. 
 

The members of the contingent trained under the Philippine Coast Guard; Phil. Association of Emergency Medical Services Personnel; Special Rescue Unit of the Bureau of Fire Protection; and the Phil. Heart Association. All P.E.R.U. EMT-Rescuers have TESDA EMC II accreditation.
 

CHO records disclosed that in 2010, P.E.R.U. responded to 441 emergencies. The leading trauma cases stemmed from collisions between 4-wheeled motor vehicles (car, jeepney, van or truck) vs. motorcycles; followed by falls; vehicle vs. vehicle; sports-related injuries; vehicle vs. inanimate objects; motorcycle vs. bicycle; and motorcycle vs. motorcycle. Medical emergencies were due to difficulty of breathing; abdominal pains; dizziness; labor pains; vomiting; high-grade fever; chest pain; and severe headache.

Apart from their daily routine of responding to emergencies, P.E.R.U. conducts seminars on disaster preparedness and disaster drills in schools, communities and business establishments; trains disaster brigade members in administering First Aid and Basic Life Support; and renders standby duties in events that draw huge crowds.

Its other undertakings include the establishment of a volunteer program and network/partnership with counterparts like the Philippine Red Cross and Rotary Wings Institute; and formulation of the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery Plan (HEPRRP) or Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan.    
 

“Since its formation, P.E.R.U. has been instrumental in helping people during emergency situations.  They have saved many lives and the community is deeply grateful for their dedication to service.” Mayor Bernabe said.
 

To build-up its capability, the Parañaque City Government continuously provides P.E.R.U. the supplies and equipment it needs.  To date, P.E.R.U. has 2 ambulances with life support systems. It also has chainsaws, hydraulic jacks, jackhammers and bolt cutters; air compressors; rescue lamps and electric generators; lifesavers and rescue boats.