
Various Health Emergency Teams of district hospitals and other government emergency units undergo 4-day training on Mass Casualty Management Responder’s Training (CMRT)” conducted by the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region to be able to respond to possible mass casualty incidents (MCIs) that may occur in the province.
TO build individual competencies and enhance the collective capacity of health systems to respond to mass casualty incidents (MCIs), the Department of Health (DOH) – Ilocos Region conducted a “Mass Casualty Management Responder’s Training (CMRT)” to health emergency response teams (HERTs) of various district hospitals in Ilocos Region.
Regional Director Paula Paz M. Sydiongco stated that the objective of the training is to equip health professionals the necessary skills and knowledge for effectively managing MCIs. “Ang mga insidente at sakuna ay dumarating ng di natin inaasahan kaya’t kailangang ang ating mga hospital ay handang magbigay ng kaukulang tugon sa mga emergency situations na maaring mangyari.”
“Kapag maayos at epektibo ang emergency management plan, casualties are lessened, people are safe and damage caused by emergencies are minimal kasama na dito ang coordination and rescue efforts, provision of emergency services and also ensuring that infrastructures are protected.”
“We need to invest in emergency preparedness response for the safety, welfare and stability of communities,” Sydiongco emphasized.
A total of 35 HERTs from district hospitals, barangay health workers, Philippine National Police Regional Office, Bureau of Fire Protection San Fernando City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office and Wallace Air Station and Medical Infirmary participated in the four-day training from September 24-27. 2024 held in San Fernando City, La Union.
Regional Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) Coordinator Joy Vallesterol-Suguitan said that Region 1 had been the recipient of various natural calamities such as typhoons, floods earthquakes and landslides during the past years. “A coordinated response action to provide medical care to affected communities during these times must be well-organized to lessen casualties and ensure the continuous delivery of essential health care.”
“This training will not only build individual competencies to handle such situations but also enhance the collective capacity of health systems in the region including strengthening partnerships with the local government units, emergency services and non-government institutions which will enhance communication, improve the allocation of resources and increase the overall emergency response framework,” she explained.
The training was spearheaded by the Regional HEMS Unit and conducted in collaboration with the National Center for Mental Health, Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, Region 1 Medical Center and Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital and Medical Center.