The Oriental Negros Emergency Rescue Foundation Inc received on Friday, Aug. 17, a brand new ambulance for the people’s free emergency medical service (EMS).
First District Rep. Josy Limkaichong turned over the 2012 model Hyundai Grand Starex ambulance to ONE Rescue President Atty. Riodil Montebon, after which Archbishop John Du of Palo, Leyte led the blessing ceremony, together with Monsignors Gamaliel Tulabing and Julius Heruela.
The ambulance is equipped with life-support system equipment to provide immediate medical response for residents in Metro Dumaguete areas. This provide out-of-hospital acute medical care and transport to definitive care for those in need.
The ONe Rescue has trained almost 200 paramedics in three years, of whom several dozens continue to volunteer, according to ONe Rescue EMS secretary Danah Fortunato.
“Nine of these volunteers have been absorbed as paid regular emergency medical technicians or EMTs. Their salaries are supported with donations from Lee Plaza, BigFoot, Appliance Centrum, OK Mart and Silliman University,” Fortunato said.
The ambulance, now displaying the contact numbers 422-9110 and 225-9110, will respond to emergency calls and the service is free.
“The Foundation acquires this ambulance through the following generous private individuals and family donations: Julio Sy Sr., Jeanne Sy-Krebs, Reynald Uy, Bowen Gothong, House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, 1st District Rep. Josy Limkaichong, and Lee Plaza,” Fortunato said.
A group of respectable doctors in Dumaguete City also offered their time and professional skills to help craft the protocols and train each batch of volunteers.
The training and operations of ONe Rescue is led by Dr. Rosalind Yu and Dr. Kenneth Coo, along with Dr. Krypton Kho, Dr. Bobbin Sy, Dr. Daryl Aplaon, Dr. Pamela Mosqueda, Dr. Karen Sayson, and Dr. Michael Singco.
ONe Rescue EMS is a non-stock, non-profit, SEC-registered foundation, composed of the following directors and officers: Fr. Enrique Balongag, vice-president; Arthur Chua, treasurer; Victor Vicente Sinco, Dr. Ben Malayang III, Eddie Uy, Roy Cang, Dr. Felix Sy, Conrad Yulo, and Dr. Kenneth Coo as members. (MBCN/JCT-PIA7)
