QUEZON CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) encouraged the devotees of the Black Nazarene to observe safety precautions during the Traslacion 2020 while assuring readiness of the PRC team to render assistance when needed.
In a press conference held Tuesday morning at the Kamuning Bakery Cafe in Quezon City, PRC Chair and CEO, Senator Richard Gordon said the objective is to ensure the safety, health, and well being of the devotees during the height of the massive gathering which is prone to the occurence of injuries and accidents by providing assistance to the event.
While there will be an Emergency Medical Unit (EMU) that will be set up along the procession routes run by volunteer doctors and nurses and which can accommodate emergency childbirth, basic surgery, laboratory, and in-patient observation, he also reiterated some safety reminders that should be observed by the public:
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| Senator Richard Gordon, PRC Chair & CEO (Photo by Ma. Alaine Allanigue/PIA-NCR) |
1. Know the route of the procession.
2. Inform your family members that you are participating in the feast and your other whereabouts.
3. Advise your family to secure your house before leaving. Unplug all electrical appliances.
4. Be physically and mentally prepared.
5. Pregnant women and persons who are sick are advised to stay at home and rest.
6. Be sure to have your ID, medical information, and emergency contact numbers with you.
7. Bring your medications.
8. Wear proper clothing and footwear. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and bringing expensive electronic devices.
9. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Do not bring sharp objects.
10. Make sure you have eaten before going to the feast, and bring water, candies and biscuits.
11. Bring protective gear against the heat and rain, such as caps and umbrellas.
12. Beware of possible hazards around you during the procession (i.e. motor vehicles, falling debris, etc.)
13. Know where you are at all times. When coming by groups, assign a designated meeting point in case someone gets lost.
14. Stay away from disorderly group or people.
15. Maintain proper distance to avoid unnecessary injuries. Plan a safe exit path.
16. If there is an untoward incident, do not panic and take over for any threat or hazard.
17. Know the location and means of access towards medical stations, police stations, and other available emergency authorities within the area.
18. Know your local emergency numbers in case of emergency. Contact Red Cross hotline 143 or 8-790-2300
2. Inform your family members that you are participating in the feast and your other whereabouts.
3. Advise your family to secure your house before leaving. Unplug all electrical appliances.
4. Be physically and mentally prepared.
5. Pregnant women and persons who are sick are advised to stay at home and rest.
6. Be sure to have your ID, medical information, and emergency contact numbers with you.
7. Bring your medications.
8. Wear proper clothing and footwear. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and bringing expensive electronic devices.
9. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Do not bring sharp objects.
10. Make sure you have eaten before going to the feast, and bring water, candies and biscuits.
11. Bring protective gear against the heat and rain, such as caps and umbrellas.
12. Beware of possible hazards around you during the procession (i.e. motor vehicles, falling debris, etc.)
13. Know where you are at all times. When coming by groups, assign a designated meeting point in case someone gets lost.
14. Stay away from disorderly group or people.
15. Maintain proper distance to avoid unnecessary injuries. Plan a safe exit path.
16. If there is an untoward incident, do not panic and take over for any threat or hazard.
17. Know the location and means of access towards medical stations, police stations, and other available emergency authorities within the area.
18. Know your local emergency numbers in case of emergency. Contact Red Cross hotline 143 or 8-790-2300
Aside from the EMU, thirteen first aid stations with welfare desks and manned by trained volunteers will respond to any emergency and other concerns such as treating wounds, major injuries, transporting patients, providing psychosocial support and assistance to those who will be lost and separated from their groups will be situated in the following areas:
Aquino monument
Round table (Manila City Hall)
Liwasang Bonifacio
Plaza Mexico (Post Office)
Lacson (Sta. Cruz area)
San Sebastian
Jones Bridge
Near Quiapo Church
Round table (Manila City Hall)
Liwasang Bonifacio
Plaza Mexico (Post Office)
Lacson (Sta. Cruz area)
San Sebastian
Jones Bridge
Near Quiapo Church
There will also be several hydration booths for the public during the procession to address the issue of dehydration among the devotees. Gordon advised the devotees bring water and do not throw the plastics along the streets.
There will be 47 ambulances which will be deployed during the duration of the procession, while three rescue boats, an amphibian, and rescue vehicles will be available to address emergency cases. PRC also coordinated with 11 nearby hospitals to accommodate patients for cases needing further medical assistance.
In 2019, volunteers and staff attended to 1,637 devotees who sustained minor and major injuries, such as difficulty in breathing, fainting, body weakness, seizure, and fracture.
Red Cross foot patrollers will also be deployed to closely monitor the crowd along narrow streets and alleys. A thousand volunteers and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) will be positioned in areas accessible to devotees who might encounter injuries and health emergencies. (PRC/MAV/MAPA/PIA-NCR)
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