Located along the typhoon belt in the Pacific, the Philippines is hit by an average of 20 typhoons every year, five of which are destructive. Being situated in the “Pacific Ring of Fire” also makes it vulnerable to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Lastly, flooding due to heavy rains brought by the southwest monsoon and low-pressure area affects the region, resulting in damage to many livelihoods.

The country’s emergency medical services system is inefficient and urgently in need of assistance. Although there are existing guidelines, there is still no reliable country-wide EMS system. Some well-known nonprofit organizations have already attempted to address the deficiencies, however, they have failed to help in concrete ways and put forth any type of sustainable plan.

Unfortunately, we at Alpha Aid have noticed that rescuers regularly lose their lives in the field. Professional or volunteer rescuers perish trying to save lives because their motivation to help is greater than their professional training. This cannot be happening in our day and age.

Responsibility for these rescuers must be our top priority. Every day, they are on the job, without recognition – but at full risk. Our team of paramedics and EMTs recently visited the country to start an ongoing project that will train the country’s rescuers, which will ultimately benefit all citizens of the Philippines.