2,018 tended by Red Cross during Pope Francis Mass at Luneta

MANILA, Philippines – A total of 2,018 people were taken to various health and first aid stations around Quirino Grandstand last Sunday, according to records from the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) operation center.

Of the 2,018, 753 patients had their blood pressure checked after complaining of dizziness, 580 had minor emergency cases such as dizziness, hyperventilation, nose bleeding, abrasions, burns, fever, wound, body pain, and sore throat.

On the other hand, 169 were seen for major medical emergencies, 36 were transported by ambulances to nearby hospitals, and 480 people needed welfare support.

Those who were transported to nearby hospitals and Emergency Field Hospitals (EFHs) complained of difficulty of breathing, asthma attack, body stiffness, vomiting, and injuries resulting from fall from high structures.

At the EFH in CCP, a mentally ill patient was transported to a mental institution in New Manila, Quezon City. Another patient was revived at another EFH after reportedly losing consciousness and losing signs of heartbeat.

All in all, PRC recorded 3,306 patients both in Manila and Leyte.

“Congratulations to our hardworking and selfless volunteers for a job well done! The coordination between the Philippine Red Cross, the police force, and other groups is also commendable. I am so proud to work with all of you,” PRC Chairman Richard Gordon told volunteers.

For the entire Papal Visit, the PRC has put up 6 Emergency Field Hospitals, first aid stations in various strategic locations, and deployed 40 ambulances, 8 Humvees, 3 ten-wheeler trucks, 2 water tankers, 2 fire trucks, 4 plastic boats, radios, and satellite phones.