To help address the shortage in ambulance, a health group has designed a motorcycle that can carry passengers to hospitals during medical emergencies.
According to Cedric Castillo’s Monday report on “24 Oras,” the organization Hospital On Wheels (HOW) said it has treated and conducted check-ups on thousands of patients inside the mini ambulance in the last 16 years.
“What we want is an immediate response. And that is what is lacking. Time is so important. Sad to say, talagang kulang na kulang dahil mahal. Number two, kulang din sa gamit. Parang for transport only,” Dr. Juan Sanchez Jr., HOW Founder, said.
(What we want is an immediate response. And that is what is lacking. Time is so important. Sad to say, we have a shortage of ambulance because they are expensive.)
Sanchez also said the motorcycle ambulance is equipped with first aid kit.
Motorcycles with an engine power of 175-cc are used for the mini ambulance and it can be operated by licensed motorcycle drivers.
One regular ambulance is equivalent to 10 units of the motorcycle ambulance, he added.
“Merong dalawang kamag-anak nya saka emergency medical service, kasya sa dun. Kayang kaya ng motorsiklo,” he said.
(If you have two emergency medical services, they can both be transported by motorcycle.)
“”Yung mga basic equipment, meron kang oxygen tank, meron kang cannula para sa ilong, mask, meron lang dextrose, may IV line, elastic bandage, marami pang gamit na pang-first aid,” said Sanchez.
(We have the equipment like oxygen tanks, cannula, dextrose, IV line, and elastic bandage.)
The HOW said it is ready to coordinate with the local government units to share the design of the motorcycle ambulance. It also said training programs are available under the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for those interested to learn about medical response.—Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News
