Manila: Police and fire stations should have at least one emergency medical technician (EMT) to make them better equipped to handle emergencies, Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos said Thursday as he called for the passage of House Bill (HB) 6528 or the Rescue Ready Bill.

According to Philippines News Agency, the proposed measure, filed with Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos, pushes for the employment of at least one certified EMT per shift in every police and fire station in the country. The bill aims to ensure that out-of-hospital emergency medical care is available for patients in critical or life-threatening situations, providing immediate assistance while awaiting hospital transfer.

Under HB 6528, the initiative would establish plantilla positions for EMTs and set up regular training and certification programs. Appointed EMTs would receive a starting salary equivalent to Salary Grade 15 under the Salary Standardization Law of 2019, along with a monthly hazard pay of not less than PHP3,000.

'We cannot emphasize enough the value of having on hand an EMT who can immediately respond and provide care to victims of accidents, disasters, or armed encounters,' Bernos noted in a news release. He stressed that the initiative benefits not only the public but also the police and firefighters.

Solid North Party-list Rep. Bernos stated that the Rescue Ready bill would enhance public safety by strengthening the operational capability of the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection. 'Every operation has risks that could lead to accident or injury, and possibly even death. By including EMTs in every operation, we give victims a greater chance of survival,' she emphasized.