Hospitals go on ‘Code White’ to brace for New Year-related emergencies

NO HOLIDAY BREAK Nurses and doctors work nonstop to treat patients at Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, with Christmas decors as their reminders of the Yuletide season. (File photo dated Dec. 26, 2020 by EV ESPIRITU)

MANILA, Philippines — Department of Health (DOH) on Friday raised the alert levels for the entire health sector in the country to ‘Code White’ status.

The move is to “prepare for any eventuality” as Filipinos welcome 2024.

Code White alert level in hospitals means all personnel, including surgeons and nurses, are ready to respond to any emergency.

Hospital funds and supplies of medicine will also be available in emergency and operating rooms.

“Other needs such as x-ray plates, laboratory requirements, etc., will also be made available without requirement for out of pocket by victims,” DOH said in a statement.

The alert level will be effective until January 4, 2024 in all public and private hospitals.

“Christmas and New Year are considered national events, holidays, and celebrations with potential for mass casualty incidents with ten or more dead or injured. Hence, the need to declare a Code White Alert,” DOH explained.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reminded the public to prioritize safety while taking part in New Year festivities.

“Umiwas na po tayo sa paputok,” he said.

(Let’s avoid firecrackers.)

“Huwag na ring uminom ng alak at mas lalo nang huwag magmaneho ng anumang sasakyan, pati motorsiklo, kung nakainom,” he added.

(Let’s also refrain from drinking alcohol, and most importantly, avoid driving any vehicle, including motorcycles, if you’ve consumed alcohol.)

“The best cure is still to prevent such incidents, especially trauma, from even happening,” he noted.

As of Friday morning (December 29), DOH has recorded 96 fireworks-related injuries.

Three out of ten of these cases took place in National Capital Region.