INSTITUTIONALIZE PRE-HOSPITAL EMERGENCY CARE - ANGARA

In light of more frequent natural and man-made disasters, Senator Edgardo J. Angara today renewed his call to institute a standard system of pre-hospital emergency medical services in the country. This, he said, will protect and promote people's right to health by making emergency medical care more accessible

"There is a need to develop the country's emergency response and medicine capability as the country faces the havoc of natural and man-made disasters," he said.

He added, "Government should set up an environment conducive to the practice of pre-hospital emergency care and maximize the capability and potential of Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) and other pre-hospital care professionals. We should institute a standard system of pre-hospital emergency medical services in the country," said Angara who authored landmark health laws such as the PhilHealth Act and the Generics Act.

Under Senate Bill 3579 the proposed measure seeks for;

-The creation of the National Pre-Hospital Care Council (NPHCC);

-The development and institutionalization of pre-hospital emergency service system at the national and local level;

-The establishment of national standards for the provision of pre-hospital emergency medical services by duly certified/registered pre-hospital care professionals;

-The supervision, control and regulation of the practice of pre-hospital care professionals;

-The program standardization for the training of pre-hospital care professionals;

-The certification/registration and re-certification/re-registration requirements of pre-hospital care professionals;

-The standards for design, manufacture, accreditation and regulation of Emergency Medical Vehicles;

-The adoption and implementation of a National Universal Emergency Telephone Number;

-The establishment and provision of support services to pre-hospital emergency medical services.

The senator, who has previously chaired the Senate Committee on Health, observed that pre-hospital and emergency medicine in the country is relatively young and there is an immediate need to develop it in view of the new threats to life brought about by a drastically changed world. Studies show that the level of safety is directly proportional to how ready emergency medicine practitioners are able to handle all hazards of any scale.

Angara said that the country needs to continue in making strides to develop a national level of good health and preparedness.

"The prevention of any threat to the well-being of the public is a continuing challenge. As a nation, we need to be ready to respond immediately and swiftly if and when any individual's life is placed in danger. Through this, we have placed a step forward in attaining national competitiveness," said Angara.