By CESAR JOLITO III

The Negros Occidental provincial government has deployed five 911 emergency response teams across key areas in the province to strengthen and speed up emergency medical services.

Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz II said each deployment includes a Level 1 ambulance and a team of five trained emergency medical responders, allowing quicker access to first aid, basic life support, and patient transport during critical situations.

The response teams have been stationed in the towns of Hinigaran, Murcia, Pulupandan and Manapla, as well as Sagay City.

The placement of these units is designed to widen provincial coverage and reduce response times, particularly in emergency cases requiring immediate medical intervention.

Direct access and 911 calls

Diaz urged residents who are near the designated emergency hubs to go directly to the facilities for urgent medical assistance.

Those located farther away are advised to immediately dial 911 for emergency response dispatch.

“Our teams can provide basic life support and first aid. More importantly, they can refer and transport patients to the nearest and most appropriate hospital registered and integrated under our One Hospital Command,” Diaz said.

The initiative forms part of the provincial government’s continuing effort to enhance emergency preparedness and healthcare delivery.

Diaz emphasized that the program is aimed at ensuring no Negrense is left without immediate assistance during emergencies, reinforcing the province’s commitment to accessible and reliable emergency medical response services./CCJ, WDJ