DOH sets up emergency booths

HEALTH care services are available for participants of the 5.7-kilometer Sto. Niño foot procession this Saturday afternoon, said Department of Health (DOH 7) officials.

Dr. Expedito Medalla, DOH 7 health emergency management staff (HEMS) coordinator, said there are 25 medical teams composed of doctors, nurses and aides who will be deployed along the procession route.

The procession route starts from Osmeña Blvd., going to Fuente Osmeña, right turn to Gen. Maxilom Ave., right turn to New Imus Road, left turn to M.J. Cuenco Ave., right turn to Osmeña Blvd. and back to the Basilica.

The teams will give first aid treatment and medicines in two stations set up at the Basilica del Sto. Niño, one at the side of Jollibee near the church and another at the Magellan’s Cross.

Ambulances will also be on standby to bring patients to the hospital. The emergency health care services are free. But the patient will pay for the hospital expenses if he is taken there.

Rescue groups

Members of the rescue group are government and private hospitals, Basak Pardo Emergency Rescue Team, Talisay Rescue and Emergency Action Team and Tipolo Emergency Rescue Team.

Medalla said the common complaints they received in the past three years that the DOH implemented the program include hypertension, fever, diarrhea and dehydration.

Sanitation officers from the cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Talisay are advised to monitor food stalls and clean the surroundings.

Medalla said this will reduce the risk of diarrhea through consumption of spoiled or improperly prepared food.

The participants are advised to bring an umbrella or hat for protection from sun and rain, wear flat shoes or rubber shoes, bring handkerchiefs and face towels, bring snacks to avoid hypoglycemia or low blood sugar level, and bring bottled water or juice to avoid dehydration.

“If you are not feeling well, refrain from joining the procession. Please remember that the route is quite long, you might collapse,” said Medalla.

“If you have health problems and you insist on going with the procession, bring your medicines and ask somebody from the family to go with you. At least you have somebody who will take care of you if things go wrong,” he said.