Marikina’s responders train to extricate victims from car crashes

MANILA, Philippines – A month since a truck accident in Marikina City killed two people and injured 16 others, the city government has started training emergency responders in the proper procedures for extricating victims from crashed vehicles.

The Marikina City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MCDDRMO) has partnered with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to conduct two batches of vehicle extrication training for barangay responders, who are expected to be first on the scene during emergency situations such as vehicular accidents, earthquakes, and landslides.

“It is a must for every emergency response unit in our city to be equipped and skillful in responding to emergency situations. We are thankful to agencies like OCD and MMDA for conducting this kind of training for our rescue personnel,” Marikina Mayor Del de Guzman said.

Participants will be taught how to safely extricate victims in different types of vehicle crashes. They will also be taught how to determine whether or not to use hydraulic equipment in emergency situations.

“In an emergency situation, every second counts. That is why it is important for our responders to possess skills that are vital in making prompt but accurate decisions,” Franco Nuevo Jornacion of the MMDA’s Public Safety Division said.

The first training session, with participants from Barangays Concepcion Uno, Barangka, and Nangka, was held last September 29 to October 1.

A second training session will be held on October 6 to 8 for responders of barangays Sto Niño, San Roque, Sta Elena, Fortune, Concepcion Dos, Malanday, and Industrial Valley Complex.

In September, a 10-wheeler truck rammed through vehicles and pedestrians along the busy A Bonifacio Avenue in Barangka, killing two people and injuring more than a dozen others. – Rappler.com