The passage of Republic Act (RA) The passage of Republic Act (RA) No. 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 highlighted Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Climate Change Adaptation mainstreamed in development processes, particularly in areas such as health among others.

The Department of Health through the Health Emergency Management Bureau (HEMB) spearheaded this initiative for the health sector as a member of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The DOH Administrative Order (AO) No. 2019-0046 or the National Policy on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) provided a policy framework on its institutionalization at all levels of governance, as well as guidelines for the effective and efficient implementation of the DRRM-H Program. RA No. 11223 or the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act and its Implementing Rules and Regulations highlighted the minimum population-based health service components, which include timely, effective, and efficient preparedness and response to public health emergencies and disasters through functional disaster risk reduction and management in the health system. This is supported by the issuance of the DOH AO No. 2020-0036 or the Guidelines on the Institutionalization of Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health in the Province-wide and City- wide Health Systems.

The Department of Health (DOH) is mandated to address the health needs of the affected population in emergencies and disasters, conflicts, epidemics, and pandemics. Administrative Order 2004 – 168, The National Policy on Health Emergencies and disaster laid an initial framework on health emergency management, particularly on preparedness and response. With this, Ormoc City has strengthened its own Health Emergency Management.

Ongoing

HEMS CITY-WIDE HEALTH SYSTEMS

HEMS ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

DRRM-H PLAN:

As part the 4 components of DRRMH Institutionalization, the city must have an approved, updated, integrated, disseminated and tested DRRM-H PLAN.

The Ormoc City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health (DRRM-H) Plan defines the direction of the LGU in preparing for effective and efficient response and recovery in the event of emergency or disaster.

This embodies a set of strategies and activities in four thematic areas based on an analysis of the hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities of the Local Government Unit of Ormoc:

⯈ Prevention & Mitigation,

⯈ Preparedness,

⯈ Response,

⯈ Relief & Recovery

The Prevention & Mitigation Plan is a combined hazard exposure prevention and vulnerability reduction plan to reduce health risks.

Preparedness Plan aims to increase capacity to efficiently manage the health risks of emergencies and disasters and achieve orderly transition from response until recovery. Both plans contain strategies and activities that the LGU will carry out to build local capacity to respond to emergencies

Response Plan lays down the strategies and activities in utilizing LGU resources and protocols for effective and efficient response during emergencies.

Recovery and Rehabilitation Plan contains the strategies and activities to develop the LGU post- emergency, and return to or exceed its original state.

Strategies and activities for each thematic areas shall focus on the quad cluster namely:

•      Medical and Public Health

•      Nutrition in Emergencies (NIE)

•      Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WaSH)

•      Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).

HEALTH EMERGENCY RESPONSE TEAM:

Another component of DRRMH Institutionalization is having an organized and trained Health Emergency Response Team that are already trained and have undergone continuous training for the year 2023:

·         Basic Life Support (BLS)

·         Standard First Aid (SFA)

·         Psychological First Aid (PFA)

·         DRRMH Course

·         Incident Command System (ICS)

·         Emergency Operation Center (EOC)

·         Basic Radio Operations Training.

·         Surveillance in Post Extreme Emergencies and Disasters (SPEED)

·         Health Emergency Response Operation (HERO)

·         Infusion Therapy Training

·         Phlebotomy Training

AVAILABLE AND ACCESSIBLE EMERGENCY MEDICINES:

CAMPOLAS Kits are composed of medicines such Cotrimoxazole, Amoxicillin, Mefenamic Acid, Paracetamol, ORS, Lagundi, Vitamin A and Skin Ointment. These are made readily available and accessible during emergencies and disasters.

EMERGENCY OPERATION CENTER

AUGMENTATION TO ORMOC RESCUE:

The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) has requested the deployment of HEMS nurses to augment the capabilities of CDRRMO-Ormoc Rescue. The designated nurses will be on duty on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays of the week, functioning as Rescue Nurses. Their primary responsibilities include responding to vehicular accidents, trauma cases not related to vehicular accidents, obstetric emergencies, and other medical emergencies as needed.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Vehicular Accidents: HEMS nurses will respond promptly to vehicular accidents, providing immediate medical assistance to the injured, stabilizing their condition, and facilitating their transfer to medical facilities if necessary.

Trauma Cases: In instances of trauma cases not related to vehicular accidents, the nurses will utilize their expertise to administer appropriate medical care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for the patients.

        Obstetric Emergencies: HEMS nurses will be prepared to handle obstetric emergencies, providing care to pregnant women in distress and facilitating safe deliveries when required.

Other Medical Emergencies: The nurses will respond to a range of medical emergencies, utilizing their skills to assess, stabilize, and initiate necessary interventions until the arrival of additional medical support.

The deployment of HEMS nurses to CDRRMO-Ormoc Rescue underscores the commitment to enhancing emergency medical response capabilities in the community. By strategically placing trained healthcare professionals on duty, we aim to contribute to the overall well-being of the residents in times of distress. Continuous collaboration and communication will be prioritized to ensure a coordinated and effective emergency response system.

FIRST QUARTER 2024

SECOND QUARTER 

TRAININGS AND ORIENTATION

In addition, HEMS regularly conducts Basic Life Support orientation and trainings to those who need basic knowledge to enhance one’s skills and know how to prevent critical situation from getting worse. Also, a year-round augmentee Rescue Nurse on duty for five days in a week and a series of medical standby to events were participated.

STANDBY MEDICAL TEAM

Health Emergency Management Services (HEMS) will also serve as a medical team to different requested events in Ormoc City.

PROGRAMS AND EVENTS ATTENDED 

EARTHQUAKE DRILLS:

Earthquake drills provide an opportunity to educate individuals about the potential risks associated with seismic activities. Through participation, people become more aware of the proper safety procedures and the importance of being prepared.

These drills allow participants to practice essential life-saving actions, such as "Drop, Cover, and Hold". Familiarity with these actions ensures that individuals react quickly and effectively during an actual earthquake, reducing the risk of injuries. It can also facilitate coordination and communication among emergency response teams, local authorities, and community members. Establishing effective communication channels and coordination mechanisms is crucial for a swift and organized response during a real earthquake.

Familiarity with emergency procedures and evacuation plans reduces panic and anxiety during an actual earthquake. When individuals are well-informed and have practiced the necessary actions, they are more likely to remain calm and make sound decisions.

Ultimately, the primary goal of earthquake drills is to save lives and minimize injuries. By practicing effective emergency response measures, communities increase their chances of a safe and coordinated response, mitigating the impact of seismic events on human lives and well-being.

ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVANCE MEDICAL POST AND MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN ROBINSONS LAND CORPORATION AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNIT OF ORMOC:

Memorandum of Agreement Signing between Robinsons Land Corporation and the Local Government Unit of Ormoc for the Temporary Evacuation Site/ Triage Center and Mass Casualty Management System and Simulation Exercise was conducted last December 7, 2023.

This is first in Eastern Visayas with the activation of fully functional Advance Medical Post (AMP). The simulation exercise was done after the MOA signing of Mayor Lucy Torress - Gomez and Robinsons Operations Director Mr. Allan Anthony Armamento that allow the temporary use of the parking space as triage area and advance medical post. The said simulation was participated by different agencies, stakeholders and volunteer responders of Ormoc City bringing their inputs, ideas and commitment that is ready to serve the Ormocanons with passion, compassion and enthusiasm.

The success of the simulation exercise transcended local boundaries, presenting itself as a beacon of inspiration for neighboring communities. It underscored the significance of public-private partnerships in fortifying disaster preparedness. The collaboration between Robinsons Land Corporation and the Local Government Unit emerged as a shining example of proactive planning and cooperation, showcasing how foresight could build a safer and more resilient community.

Barangay Cogon Fire Incident

In February 2024, a devastating fire struck Barangay Cogon. Health Emergency Management Services (HEMS) personnel were on high alert and responded swiftly to the crisis. They took immediate action, providing critical medical support and coordinating emergency response efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of affected residents. Their dedication and active involvement were crucial in managing the situation and mitigating the impact of the disaster.