SAN JOSE, Occidental Mindoro (PIA) — Fisherfolk in Occidental Mindoro have been trained on basic life support first aid to save lives during emergencies especially while at sea.
During the Kongreso ng Mangingisda para sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran (Fisherfolk Congress) on April 2 and 3 in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) stressed the importance of first aid training for the fisherfolk.
The Basic Life Support First Aid training, which aims to equip local fishermen with essential skills to save lives in emergency situations at sea, was included in the activities during the Fisherfolk Congress.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Janelyn Virrey, Nurse Officer of the PCG in Occidental Mindoro, explained that knowing basic first aid is crucial for those working in the high-risk environment of the sea, pointing out that first aid knowledge can make the difference between life and death, particularly when dealing with severe injuries that could occur far from medical facilities.
“Isa sa pinakamahalagang malaman nila [fisherfolk] ay kung paano pigilan ang pagdurugo ng malubhang sugat, lalo na ang sugat na maaaring magdulot ng panganib sa buhay,” Virrey said.
She also stressed that severe blood loss can lead to shock and, if left untreated, death– particularly when the loss reaches one liter or more.
Henry Dinglasan, a 50-year-old fisherman from Barangay Caminawit in San Jose, shared his experience of fishing in the West Philippine Sea for the past four years. Often, he and his crew spend two to three weeks at sea, and during storms, they may stay out for as long as two months before returning home.
“Kapag nasa gitna kami ng dagat, wala kaming agad na access sa pagamutan. Umaasa lang kami sa isa’t isa sakaling magkaroon ng sakuna,” Dinglasan said.
He added that rough seas increase the risk of accidents, including the possibility of their boat capsizing.
In addition to techniques for stopping bleeding, Virrey advised the fisherfolk not to remove any sharp objects that may have pierced the body as this could cause further damage to internal organs, break bones or lead to additional bleeding.
“Dapat sa ospital na tanggalin ang anumang bagay na tumusok sa ating katawan,” Virrey emphasized.
The PCG official also urged fishermen to always carry a first aid kit on their boats, stay alert to weather advisories and follow the Coast Guard’s safety protocols before setting out to sea. (VND/PIA MIMAROPA-Occidental Mindoro)
