WHEN bike buddies Sisoy Cinco and Joel Pascual passed by a fellow motorist who had an accident at the Transcentral Highway, they didn’t hesitate to help.
But despite the good intentions of the two members of the FZ16 club Cebu, they were hampered by their lack of skills and equipment in treating an accident victim.
“I only gave him water, while Joel used a tissue, a wet wipe, to clean his wounds,” said Cinco, a car repair shop owner who has been a member of the club for two years.
That accident—one of many motor enthusiasts like them encounter during long and short rides—only encouraged them to go on with their bold and revolutionary plan to arm and train people like them in treating accident victims.
The group will hold a basic life support seminar to be conducted by certified instructors on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), life support and first aid on June 16 and 23 at Parkmall in Mandaue City.
Initially open to members of their club, they plan to accommodate as many riders as possible in future seminars.
“We planned to do this before,” said Gigi Gonzaga. “But it was more for the members when we got our insurance.”
This time, the club is thinking outward.
Already busy with community-service related activities like Brigada Eskwela and other activities that benefit public schools, this time they want something that will help the community.
“When we introduced the idea to Eruf (Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation), lipay kaayo sila (they were so happy),” said Cinco. “This will increase the survival of those involved in serious accidents.”
They don’t plan to be heroes on the road and play roles reserved for medics and ambulance personnel.
“With the right training, you can assess the situation and help. You can call the ambulance and give the right updates as it is on the way,” said Pascual.
“Now, what usually happens during accidents is that people will just gather, take pictures but they don’t help because they don’t know how,” said Cinco.
Land Transportation Office 7 Director Victor Caindec, who has also started a road safety program, supports the move.
“It’s an important direction that the motorcycle clubs are taking, and LTO fully supports this initiative towards safer roads for everyone,” said Caindec, who added he can offer the use of the LTO conference room for future seminars.
The FZ16 group’s vision isn’t only limited to helping motorists on the road, though that is their starting point.
“If there are disasters, you can respond as a club. You can coordinate with authorities and volunteer,” said Pascual.
Cinco cited the case of the landslide in the City of Naga, where a lot of Cebuanos were moved to help.
And if the other motorcycle clubs copy their move, they too can help.