THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is
launching today the "First Responders" project which will deploy teams of
paramedics, mechanics and drivers on board motorcycles that will promptly
respond to road accidents, fires, oil spills, landslides and other emergency
situations in Metro Manila.
MMDA chairman Bayani Fer-nando and general manager Robert
Nacianceno will preside over the kick-off ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. at the MMDA
emergency station on Edsa corner Timog Avenue.
After several weeks spent on fine-tuning the mechanics,
logistics and unified dispatch strategies for the deployment of these rescue
teams to five emergency stations along Edsa, 30 motorcycle-riding first
responders will be ready to work 24 hours a day on four shifts. The teams are
expected to reach accident sites and attend to victims within 10 to 15 minutes
from emergency stations in Timog, Katipunan, Ortigas and Libis, all along Edsa;
and in Nagtahan, Manila.
Each team member will carry a tool box containing a first-aid kit, medical
oxygen tank, fire extinguisher and rescue tools like cutters, spreaders, all
types of wrenches and other heavy-duty equipment, including early warning
devices and other signages to cordon off the accident site. Each motorcycle is
also equipped with a siren, blinkers, paging system and a hand-held radio linked
to Metrobase, the MMDA's command and control center in Makati. - Ashzel
Hachero
