Ang Pahayagan

ZAMBALES– The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and its chapters and Red Cross 143 (RC143) volunteers in Central Luzon held a Mass Casualty Incident Training and Simulation Exercise on May 31 at Subic Training Center in Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

PRC Chairman and CEO Richard “Dick” Gordon, PRC Secretary-General Dr. Gwen Pang, and International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Society (IFRC) President Kate Forbes oversee the said event.

PRC’s volunteers, medical personnel, firefighters, staff, fire trucks, ambulance unit, and other emergency assets spearheaded the event, which is based on a scenario involving a magnitude 7.0 earthquake.

The simulation exercise’s objective is to enhance the emergency response, capacity, coordination, and resilience of the PRC, its RC143 volunteers, and chapters in managing mass casualty incidents (MCIs).

Chairman Gordon emphasized the multiple hazards that can occur after an earthquake which can cause MCIs, such as fire incidents and health-related concerns.

Gordon further highlighted the critical importance of conducting simulation exercises, noting that now is an especially opportune time to conduct such initiatives.

He stated: “One way to prepare for a large-scale disaster, especially an earthquake, is through MCI simulation exercise. Our country ranked as the most disaster-prone country for over 13 years. While we cannot wish away hazards, we can focus on preparing for them.

“Today, we will evaluate our emergency response system within a controlled setting. This will give us an opportunity to modify our response plans as necessary,” added Chairman Gordon

Ms. Forbes during the COVID-19 appreciation ceremony of PRC, praised PRC’s network of volunteers’ innovative approaches to emergency crises. (PR)

📸Ang Pahayagan / JUN DUMAGUING