US group conducts rescue training for Albay disaster responders

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- Authorities in the province of Albay are optimistic about putting into practice gained knowledge of advanced, adaptable, and comprehensive way of providing emergency medical services to the residents, especially during a disaster or calamity.

Albay is one of the four local government units (LGUs) in the Philippines chosen by the US Alpha Aid, a private organization, to be the recipient of its “Rescue Training”.

In an interview on Friday, Lorena Quising, Albay information officer, said at least 35 responders from Albay joined the four-day assessment and evaluation conducted by Alpha Aid that ended March 10.

“The PGA (provincial government of Albay) under the leadership of Governor Edcel Grex Lagman strongly supports the organization’s mission as it helps boost the province’s resiliency and strong capacity during a disaster,” Quising said.

She noted that after the evaluation, Alpha Aid will provide training and equipment based on the result of the activity.

“Alpha Aid will conduct evaluations, provide further training in preclinical and clinical trauma management, structure an incident command system and optimize the equipment of rescue workers,” she said.

LEVELING UP SKILLS. Undated photo shows Eugene Escobar (center), Albay Public Safety Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) research and statistics division chief and EMS supervisor, during the four-day assessment and evaluation activity conducted by Alpha Aid, a non-profit organization in the US. The group assists people and countries affected by disaster, conflict, disease, and other emergencies. (Photo courtesy of Albay PIO)

Quising said the “Rescue Training” aims to provide knowledge of operational safety and equipment by building a central rescue network and exchanging information with the different organizations in the network project.

Albay Public Safety Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) research and statistics division chief and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) supervisor Eugene Escobar said the four-day activity is a welcome move to further develop and improve the local EMS, including disaster response in Albay.

“With the assessment and evaluation of these well-trained and experienced responders, we will be able to identify what to further enhance in our medical and disaster response and learn internationally recognized strategies in a time of calamity or disaster. We’re hoping that through this, we can now address some pressing needs, including lack of equipment and capability, especially for confined space rescue, collapsed structure rescue, urban, surface, or underwater search and rescue, and hazardous materials rescue. I believe that there are a lot of capable responders in Albay, but not all stations are capable when it comes to more advanced technology and equipment used,” Escobar added.

Alpha Aid is a non-profit organization in the US that assists people and countries affected by disaster, conflict, disease, and other emergencies. (PNA)