Dr. Louie’s crusade for safety and emergency response innovation

The journey of a man’s world of rescue began as a calling, echoing through the narrow streets of Tacloban City. With a heart as vast as the open sky, this man has dedicated his life to saving those on the brink, weaving a tapestry of compassion and bravery that defines the essence of his being. In line with his work is a revolutionary discovery that could help in first aid and basic life support.

Meet Dr. Louie Niño S. de la Rosa, chief of operations at the Tacloban City Rescue Unit (TACRU). He is a seasoned paramedic with an unwavering commitment to saving lives, as he was draped in the uniform of a modern-day hero.

It was an ordinary day when Dr. Louie’s radio crackled to life, delivering news of a motorcycle entangled in a dance with a colossal cement mixer, giving rise to a scene where the fragility of life hung in the balance.

With his weathered hands and eyes that bore the weight of countless responses, Dr. Louie maneuvered the ambulance through the winding roads.

The urgency in Dr. Louie’s eyes is a silent symphony that narrates the gravity of the impending call. The sound of sirens blends with the rhythmic stomp of his heart, creating a soundtrack for the unpredictable performance that awaits him.

With a deep breath, he stepped into the chaos. The twisted metal and shattered glass emerged from the darkness, illuminated by the pulsating lights of emergency vehicles that unfolded in his path.

His jaw tightened as he surveyed the wreckage, where he could hear the survivors screeching in pain from a distance. He was never expecting the gravity of the distressed call.

The accident involved a motorcycle loaded with a man and his son. Both of them are grievously injured, as they were cut in half after the collision with a cement mixer truck. The victims’ bodies were trapped in a gruesome tableau of tragedy.

Despite the paramedics’ valiant efforts, the victims succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The weight of the experience lingered on Dr. Louie’s shoulders, a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and reckless driving.

The harrowing incident that Dr. Louie experienced became a turning point in his life, inspiring him to advocate more for safety in driving and basic life support education within the community.

Through workshops and community engagement, he spreads awareness about basic life support and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority’s (TESDA) Emergency Medical Services National Certificate II, envisioning a safer future where lives can be preserved through timely and effective emergency support.

Recently, a high school student in Tacloban who has Basic Life Support (BLS) training in TACRU revived his teacher who experienced cardiac arrest, according to Dr. Louie.

The Red Cross characterizes BLS as the primary medical care delivered by first responders, safety personnel, and healthcare professionals to individuals facing emergencies, including cardiac arrest, respiratory distress, or an obstructed airway. This intervention is considered the foremost action an individual takes, irrespective of the nature of the emergency.

Dr. Louie’s commitment to driving safety and first aid education is a beacon of hope, illuminating the path toward a community that values and prioritizes the well-being of its members.

The Handa Pilipinas Visayas Leg, an event organized by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region VIII on Nov. 8-10, 2023, showcased one emergency response advancement Dr. Louie could use in his work.

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), one of the exhibitors, has pioneered a groundbreaking solution — a hemostat used in emergency trauma cases and surgical interventions is an indispensable tool for reducing or halting bleeding.

What sets the PNRI-developed hemostats apart is their exceptional performance and the revolutionary technique behind their creation, radiation-modified natural and water-soluble polymers.

One of the most patient-centric features of the hemostat is its ability to mitigate damage to the wound site. Unlike commercial hemostats that might cause additional trauma during application, the PNRI-developed variant is designed to minimize any negative impact on the injured area.

According to Dr. Louie, hemostat is good for first aid and BLS. He’s looking forward to using this for emergency responses like vehicular accidents.

The process of developing the hemostat involves the application of radiation to modify natural and water-soluble polymers. This innovative technique results in products that are not only effective but also biocompatible, non-toxic, and non-allergenic, ensuring patients experience minimal adverse reactions.

Gregory R. Ciocson, Senior Technology Transfer and Business Development Officer at PNRI, said that there is an undergoing clinical trial for hemostat so that it can be released in the market after the application approval from the Food and Drug Administration. They also look forward to meeting a private partner that can massively produce the hemostats for commercial use in the market, including the patent application.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. graced the DOST event and supported the technological advancements. He mentioned that he is confident that the technologies featured in this event will be of great help during relief and rescue operations.

“I implore everyone to maximize the use of these technologies to fast-track the widespread adaption and commercialization. Let us also promote public awareness so that every citizen becomes more proactive, better informed, and better equipped in times of emergency. Let us ensure that science and innovation continue to guide us in our endeavor,” President Marcos Jr. said.