#MMQUAKEDRILL: Red Cross reaches disaster site in 4 minutes

COMMITTED to be the first responders, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) took four minutes to respond to the earthquake site at the Ayala Business District in Makati City after “the Big One” hit the metropolis.

Employees of businesses and shops streamed out of their offices, while others were “trapped” in the “ruins.”

“Injured” persons and “fatalities” were everywhere.

This will most likely the scene in the aftermath of a magnitude 7.2 earthquake once the 100-kilometer West Valley Fault moves.

The imagined disaster and the quick response of rescuers were part of a metrowide earthquake drill Thursday to prepare the public in case such a catastrophe strikes.

In a situation where every second could save lives, how fast will rescue work be?

From their office in Palanan, Makati, three ambulances of the PRC and a firetruck sped to the quake site a minute after the sirens wailed within the city, a signal that the earthquake that hit Metro Manila was devastating.

Each ambulance of the PRC is equipped with medical facilities to provide first aid treatment to disaster victims like in a strong earthquake.

The equipment included a stretcher, an oxygen tank, medicines, among others.

Each ambulance of the PRC has three medical personnel and a driver.

Upon arrival at the quake site, medical teams from the PRC sprinted to the imagined disaster site and treated the victims.

First aid medication was swift but done in carefully. Victims with severe injuries were prioritized.

Different scenarios were also simulated, such as rescuing a victim trapped in a high-rise building through rappelling.

A member of the PRC Emergency Response Team said they were “overwhelmed” with the cooperation of the public in the quake drill.

“It is overwhelming that they are taking it seriously,” Decerie Monteagudo said after the drill.

Monteagudo said PRC is committed to be the first responders during a disaster like an earthquake.

John Robert Taopo, also part of the PRC emergency response team, said the availability of manpower would define the speed and success of their rescue operations.

“Unang-una is manpower. Marami tayong volunteer pero pag nangyari na yung Big One ay siyempre watak-watak din yung mga volunteers natin,” Taopo said.

He said the rescue operations during the quake drill “were very successful.”

More than 50 volunteers from the PRC took part in the quake drill.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the readiness of the public is important to avoid casualties once a powerful quake hits Metro Manila.

Tolentino said there was an “extensive and massive participation” of the public during the drill. AC

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