DILG turns over 84 new ambulances to boost LGUs' emergency response

Several local government units (LGUs) in the country have received new emergency vehicles after the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) turned over 84 new ambulances to boost their emergency response services.

The official turnover ceremony was held at the national headquarters of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) last December 10, 2022, in Quezon City. DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. shared that the distribution of the new ambulances is a testament to the government's commitment to public safety. The DILG Secretary also praised the 34,000 BFP fire officers who serve as frontliners in protecting lives during times of emergency and disaster despite the lack of facilities and equipment.

“These emergency vehicles will further empower our personnel as we remain committed to providing high-level emergency response and rescue services and improve our agency’s health services”, said Abalos.

Out of the 84 ambulances, Abalos shared that Bicol and Central Visayas got seven units each. Meanwhile, Ilocos Region, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and CARAGA received six units each. Five units went to Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, Davao Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, and the Cordillera Administrative Region, while Central Luzon, Northern Mindanao, Soccsksargen and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao each received four units.

Each Type-1 Basic Life Support Ambulance is based on the Nissan NV350 and has been designed to comply with local and international standards. Not only can the ambulance transport patients safely, but it can also provide emergency care while en route to the nearest hospital.

It is equipped with a doctor/EMT/paramedic seating and a negative pressure system that can eliminate at least three types of viruses to keep BFP personnel safe during its operation. Last but not least, it also comes with a two-way radio, ventilation airway equipment, monitoring and defibrillator, chest compression device, immobilization device, dressing and bandages, obstetrical delivery set, infection control, and various EMS kits and supplies.