PHOTOGRAPHS courtesy of ANN JENIREENE GOMEZ
By ANN JENIREENE GOMEZ
A new motorcycle ambulance has been launched in the Philippines, offering the same, if not more features than those of a standard van ambulance.
The motorcycle chariot ambulance, developed by the Hospital On Wheels Philippines initiative, is fully equipped with medical devices that are more advanced than those found in some van ambulances.
These include an automatic cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR device, portable automated external defibrillators, and GoPro cameras that allow paramedics to coordinate with doctors and other medical professionals during transportation.
The motorcycle ambulance is also one-tenth the price of a standard ambulance, making it more affordable for local government units to adopt.
HOW Philippines founder Dr. Jim Sanchez said that the motorcycle ambulance is designed to address the problems of the country’s daily traffic situation, which can often delay emergency response times.
“The motorcycle ambulance can easily navigate through narrow streets and congested areas,” Dr. Sanchez told Daily Tribune in a mix of Filipino and English. “This means that we can reach patients more quickly and provide them with the care they need.”
The motorcycle ambulance is currently being used by HOW Philippines to provide medical services to communities in need. Likewise, it is being used to train medical personnel of LGUs, down to the barangay level.
However, Dr. Sanchez said that they are also in talks with LGUs about adopting the ambulance for their own emergency response teams.
“We believe that the motorcycle ambulance is a valuable tool that can help to save lives,” he said.