Phl Red Cross, Valenzuela hospitals ink agreement for stronger disaster response

By Jimmyley I. Guzman

Thursday 28th of June 2012

MANILA, June 28 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) recently partnered with five hospitals in Valenzuela City to further strengthen disaster response and actions during emergencies.

PRC together with Fatima Medical Center, Santicissimo Hospital, Polo Emergency Hospital, Calderon Hospital and Calalang General Hospital signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) last June 23 that will establish joint emergency response systems in cases of mass casualties and big disasters.

In a release, PRC Chairman Richard Gordon said that with the disaster preparedness program in place and in partnership with said hospitals, Red Cross can cope more effectively with emergencies and alleviate the suffering of people in distress.

Under the agreement, PRC can establish welfare desks in said hospitals that will be ready to provide psychosocial support and restore family links intended to facilitate communications with family members of victims in cases of mass casualties, disasters and emergencies.

The MOA also ensures that in addition to medical intervention, maximum emergency services, triage and trauma services are in place for victims of mass casualty incidents (MCI).

Likewise, Red Cross will source and supply blood and by-products to the hospitals' patients as may be necessary during emergencies.

Meanwhile, the hospitals will provide information to PRC on hospital emergency services and prioritize treatment of victims of MCI and disasters. (PRC/RJB/JEG/PIA-NCR)