MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) on Tuesday said its chapters are all ready to provide its services to motorists and passengers traveling to the provinces for the Holy Week break.

“All PNRC Chapters are enjoined to be on standby 24/7 on Holy Week to provide first aid and medical assistance to possible road accidents that may occur,” said PRC Secretary Gwendolyn Pang.

Tents, help desks, and first-aid stations will be set up along major highways and gas stations during Holy Week to immediately respond in case of road accidents.

Beach resorts and major tourist spots will also be the focus of Safety Services as they put up Beach Patrol and First Aid Stations.

The PRC also partnered with Chevron and Petron for the stationing of first-aid stations and ambulances.

Chevron Philippines has designated 40 Caltex gas stations in Northern and Southern Luzon that will be manned by two (2) Red Cross volunteers with first-aid station and ambulance.

Volunteers from Valenzuela, Pampanga, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Baguio, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Laguna, San Pablo City, Batangas City, Cavite and Quezon-Lucena chapters are mobilized to man gas stations and provide first-aid assistance.

On the other hand, for the Petron partnership, PRC will provide ambulance service in stations located in Mabalacat, Floridablanca, Star Tollway and PEC 3.

Safety Services Program

Pang said this season is the right time to implement Safety Services Program because many are going on vacation.

“We have various programs which are very relevant and practical to implement this season,” Pang said.

The PNRC Safe Summer Campaign covers safety institute, first aid and basic life support training and even swimming courses which are timely for summer.

First Aid and Basic Life Support Courses are the most requested training from different companies, schools, rescue groups and individuals which aim to disseminate information on safety practices during emergency situations.

On the other hand, Basic Life Support – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (BLS – CPR) training focuses on life threatening emergency situations, which deals not only with the adult victims but for children and infants as well.